Joe Root shone for England on the first day of the third Test against India at Lord's, ending the day just one run short of a century. England finished the day at 251 for 4 after 83 overs, adopting a more measured approach compared to their usual aggressive "Bazball" style.

England's innings began cautiously after Ben Stokes won his third consecutive toss and elected to bat. Openers Zak Crawley (23) and Ben Duckett (18) managed to navigate the initial spells from the Indian pace attack. However, the introduction of Nitish Kumar Reddy changed the game, as he dismissed both openers in the same over, reducing England to 43 for 2.

Root and Ollie Pope then stabilized the innings with a 39-run partnership, taking England to 83 for 2 at lunch. Root continued his steady innings, reaching his 66th Test fifty. By tea, England had progressed to 151 for 2, with Root on 53 and Pope on 43.

India fought back in the third session, with Ravindra Jadeja dismissing Pope for 44 on the first ball after tea. Jasprit Bumrah then removed Harry Brook for 11, leaving England at 172 for 4. However, Root, supported by Stokes, saw out the remaining overs without further loss. Their unbroken 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket steadied the innings. Root ended the day on 99 not out, while Stokes was on 39.

Nitish Kumar Reddy was India's most successful bowler of the day, claiming two wickets. A minor concern for India was Rishabh Pant leaving the field due to an injury, with Dhruv Jurel taking over as wicketkeeper. The severity of Pant's injury remains unconfirmed.

The first day was characterized by attrition, with both bat and ball constantly in competition. The Lord's pitch offered subtle challenges, including turn for Jadeja and occasional uneven bounce for the seamers. With the second new ball only a few overs old, the first hour of the second day promises a stern test for Root and Stokes, as they aim to push England towards a commanding total. India's bowlers will be looking to capitalize on the new ball to regain control of the match.

Earlier in the series, England won the first Test at Headingley, while India bounced back to win the second Test at Edgbaston.