England started the day at 251 for 4, but Bumrah quickly changed the script. He bowled Ben Stokes with a peach that knocked the top of off-stump. In his next over, he dismissed Joe Root for 104 with a delivery that came back sharply, then had Chris Woakes caught behind first ball. England stumbled to 271 for 7 before Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse stitched a vital 84-run partnership. Bumrah eventually returned to dismiss Jofra Archer and finish with figures of 5 for 74.
India’s reply began on a nervous note. Yashasvi Jaiswal was squared up by a seaming delivery from Jofra Archer, who was playing his first Test since February 2021. Karun Nair got a start but was undone by a brilliant low catch from Root. Shubman Gill was dismissed by Chris Woakes after a well-planned setup that played on his tendency to bat outside the crease.
Despite the early setbacks, KL Rahul held firm. He remained unbeaten on 53 at stumps, playing a patient and technically sound innings. Rishabh Pant, who had missed fielding duties due to a finger injury, returned to bat and chipped in with a steady 19 not out. The two shared an unbeaten stand to take India to 145 for 3 at the close.
The match also saw some controversy around the Dukes ball. India asked for a replacement just 10 overs into the day, and later another ball change took place, sparking debate. Shubman Gill was visibly frustrated during discussions with the umpires, and the frequent ball changes raised concerns about the consistency of the Dukes ball this series.
With India trailing by 242 runs and two in-form batters at the crease, Day Three promises another gripping chapter at Lord’s.
