Credit: Star Sports
On the first day of the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s, Team India delivered a tough time to England. Winning the toss, England skipper Ben Stokes elected to bat first. Hosts’ openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley failed to do their jobs which put the home side in trouble as they were reeling at a score of 44/2. In the pressure situation, England required their top-order batter Ollie Pope and veteran Joe Root to step up and build a solid partnership. Both batters stood at the crease and did conventional Test batting by leaving balls and scoring at a low rate.
England, who are known for their Bazball playing style to attack the opposition bowlers at all times, witnessed their batters Pope and Root playing in a traditional Test way of accumulating runs rather than going hammer and tonks. Noting the home team’s shift, Team India skipper Shubman Gill sledged them. During the second session, Shubman was heard saying, “No more entertaining cricket. Welcome back to the boring Test cricket boys.” With this comment, Shubman took a dig at England, who have felt proud of their Bazball style.
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Joe Root displays his masterclass after Birmingham Test failure
Joe Root has proven that England can rely on him in pressure games. The 34-year-old didn’t have great outings in the second Test played at Edgbaston but this time, he dominated India’s bowling attack and now, he is heading to score his 37th ton.
If he succeeds in completing his hundred on the second day, it will be his second Test ton against India at the illustrious venue. Root also shone with his bat in 2021, when India beat England by 151 runs. In the losing cause, the right-handed batter produced an unbeaten 180 in the first innings. However, this time, he will want his diligence to pay off with England’s victory in this match.
