A day for the purists

In an era dominated by aggression and speed, Lord’s played host to a refreshing throwback — a day of Test cricket shaped by grit, patience, and the subtle nuances that make the longest format so absorbing. England, resisting the urge to Bazball their way forward, chose to bat and ended Day 1 with a hard-earned 251/4 in 83 overs.

The start was less than ideal. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley couldn’t capitalise on the advantage of batting first. India’s attack, boosted by the much-anticipated return of Jasprit Bumrah and the lively Akash Deep, asked probing questions early on. However, it was the relatively unheralded Nitish Reddy who provided the breakthroughs. In only his second match in England, Reddy struck twice, removing Duckett and Crawley, to peg the hosts back.

From that moment on, it became a battle of attrition — between bat and ball, between discipline and temptation. And in that battle, one man stood tall: Joe Root.

Root, batting with all the calm assurance of a master craftsman, was the anchor England needed. His approach was classic Test cricket — measured, calculated, and full of poise. On a surface that played inconsistently with its up-and-down bounce, Root’s technique stood out. He left well, waited on the ball, and punished anything marginally loose. By stumps, he was unbeaten on 99, one run short of what would be a truly high-class hundred.

Some centuries scream with dominance; others whisper with quiet excellence. If Root completes his century tomorrow, it will belong to the latter category — built on adaptability, temperament, and pure cricketing sense.

Batting alongside him was Ben Stokes, clearly struggling with an injury but determined to stay at the crease. His presence gave England the spine they needed in the latter half of the day. That said, injuries could yet become a factor in this Test. Rishabh Pant, too, looked uncomfortable after injuring his finger, and the extent of his issue remains to be seen. Both teams will be anxiously assessing their walking wounded overnight.

For India, the day was one of toil. Bumrah hit good areas, Akash continued to show promise, and Ravindra Jadeja asked questions. But it was also clear that run-making will be a grind on this surface. Every run England scored felt earned, and that cumulative pressure may prove significant as the match progresses.

As Day 2 dawns, the equation is simple. India need early wickets — and quickly — to prevent England from stretching their advantage. For England, the task is to capitalise on a solid first day and make the toss count.

At a venue soaked in tradition and prestige, it was a day that reminded everyone why Test cricket, when played with skill and respect for conditions, remains the pinnacle. No fireworks, no flair — just good, honest cricket. And at Lord’s, that feels exactly right.

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