New Delhi: KL Rahul stood firmly for India on the crease in the first innings after Jasprit Bumrah’s heroics as England held a tight grip on the second day of the third Test match at the Lord’s. England, who looked in a commanding position early in the morning, were rattled by Bumrah’s fifer as the hosts were restricted to a first innings score of 387 runs.
In reply, India ended the second day at 145/3, trailing England by 242 more runs with Rahul (53 not out) and Rishabh Pant (19 not out) leading the fightback for the visitors after losing the crucial wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair and skipper Shubman Gill. Rahul and Pant had stitched a partnership of 38 runs for the fourth wicket when umpires decided to call stumps on Friday.
Archer draws first blood
Ace pacer Jofra Archer, who made a return after 4 long years, drew the first blood in just the second over of India’s innings sending back the sensational Jaiswal for just 13 runs. The sensational southpaw looked fiery as he started off with three boundaries but Archer got the better of him giving India the first big blow.
Karun Nair then played a mature knock of 40 runs and just when it looked like he would reach the half-century with ease, skipper Ben Stokes poured water on to his dreams as Joe Root completed a sensational catch at the slip region to send back the experienced batter. Nair had stitched a 61-run stand for India along with Rahul.
Skipper Gill, who came on to the crease next, played a sluggish innings unlike his previous ones before getting out for 16 runs, which paved way for Pant’s entry on to the crease who shed the injury concerns as he came out to bat. While the English bowlers tried to push India further against the wall before the day ended but Rahul and Pant played sensibly to let the day pass through.
Bumrah steals the show
earlier, Bumrah earned his name on the honours board with a devastating morning spell that resulted in a five-wicket haul, allowing India to bowl out England for 387 in the second session after Root’s majestic ton.
More to follow..