Lord’s, London:
Day 1 of the third Test between England and India at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground turned out to be a fascinating contest more of a slow-burn thriller than the kind of high-speed “Bazball” show fans have grown used to under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. With England finishing the day at 251/4 in 83 overs, the question being asked across cricketing circles: Was it Bazball or had it become Blockball?
Joe Root Shows Vintage Class
While England’s overall scoring rate was a moderate 3.02 runs per over, Joe Root played a masterclass in patience and poise. The former captain stood unbeaten on 99 (191 balls, 9 fours)* at stumps his innings steering England out of early trouble and back into contention. His control and classical strokeplay were a refreshing reminder that there’s still space for traditional Test batting even in a Bazball era.
This innings also saw Root cross 3,000 career runs against India, becoming the first ever player to do so a historic milestone at the home of cricket.
A recap of Day 1’s play at Lord’s 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UwsWSHr3Mp
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) July 11, 2025
England’s Cautious Top Order: Bazball on Pause?
The day didn’t start in typical Bazball fashion. After opting to bat first under slightly overcast skies, England’s openers Zak Crawley (18 off 43) and Ben Duckett (23 off 40) fell early to debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. Both were caught behind by Rishabh Pant as Reddy impressed with disciplined line and seam movement.
Ollie Pope provided some resistance with a gritty 44 (104 balls), but fell post-tea to Ravindra Jadeja, again caught behind.
With the scoring rate kept in check and no attempt to aggressively counterattack, England’s approach looked far more reserved than their usual free-flowing style. This wasn’t the aggressive, high-risk cricket dubbed “Bazball” this was patient rebuilding, more reminiscent of classic Test strategy.
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India’s Bowlers Maintain Discipline
India’s bowlers deserve immense credit. Nitish Reddy, making his Test debut, was the pick of the attack with 2/46 in 15 overs. Jasprit Bumrah (1/35) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/26) also chipped in with crucial wickets while bowling tight lines.
Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep provided consistent support, maintaining pressure and rarely offering loose deliveries. India’s bowling unit kept the run rate under control throughout, forcing England into a watchful mode.
Stokes Battles Through Injury
England captain Ben Stokes, who walked in at 182/4, ended the day unbeaten on 39 off 102 balls, showing restraint and focus. However, he appeared to suffer a groin injury during the final session, visibly uncomfortable while running between the wickets. With questions lingering over his fitness, his availability as a bowler in the second innings could become a key factor.
Injuries, Delays & Ladybirds
The day wasn’t without disruptions. Play was interrupted briefly due to a swarm of ladybirds invading the field, and India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant had to leave the ground after suffering a finger injury. He was replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps for the latter half of the day.
Was It Bazball Or Blockball?
The term “Bazball” has come to symbolize a brand of fearless, attacking Test cricket. But Day 1 at Lord’s saw England take a much more measured approach cautious against the new ball, circumspect against India’s discipline, and reluctant to take unnecessary risks.
While Root’s composure and Stokes’ patience were vital in consolidating the innings, critics and fans alike noticed the lack of aggressive intent usually synonymous with Bazball. England batted time, respected good balls, and chose to grind it out.
It may not have been thrilling, but it was effective.
England will look to cross 350 with Root eyeing his 37th Test hundred and 8th at Lord’s. India, on the other hand, will aim to strike early with the second new ball due in 7 overs. Much will also depend on whether Stokes can continue without worsening his injury.
