IND vs ENG: KL Rahul’s Fifty, Pant’s Return Boost India as Visitors Reach 145/3 at Stumps on Day 2
India closed out Day 2 of the third Test at Lord’s on a steady note, reaching 145/3 at stumps, thanks to a determined half-century by KL Rahul and a promising return to the crease by Rishabh Pant following a finger injury. Despite losing two wickets in the final session, India ended the day trailing England by 242 runs, with Rahul unbeaten on 53 and Pant on 19.
The final session began with Karun Nair and KL Rahul resuming at 44/1. Nair looked positive early on, striking a few boundaries and combining with Rahul for a 61-run stand. However, Nair—playing his first Test in eight years—once again failed to convert his start into a big score. He was dismissed for 40 off 62 balls after edging a delivery from England skipper Ben Stokes to Joe Root at slip.
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Captain Shubman Gill joined Rahul next, and the pair batted cautiously to push India past the 100-run mark. Their 33-run partnership was eventually broken when Chris Woakes got Gill to feather an edge to keeper Jamie Smith. Gill’s innings ended on 16, leaving India at 107/3.
The biggest cheer of the day came when Rishabh Pant walked in to bat at No. 6, showing no signs of discomfort from his recent finger injury. He quickly took on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, slamming three boundaries in quick succession. At the other end, Rahul looked composed, reaching his second fifty of the series in 97 balls, with five fours. The duo saw off the remaining overs safely, building an unbeaten 38-run stand to end the day.
Earlier, in the second session, India wrapped up England’s innings on 387. Mohammed Siraj claimed the important wicket of Jamie Smith, who edged one to substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel after scoring a fluent 51. Jasprit Bumrah then bowled Jofra Archer for 4, completing his maiden five-wicket haul at Lord’s and becoming the Indian with the most five-wicket hauls in away Tests.
Brydon Carse showcased his hitting ability with a 56-run knock off 83 balls, including a towering six to bring up his fifty. Siraj eventually yorked him to end the innings. Jurel had earlier dropped a tough chance but redeemed himself by holding on to a clean catch to dismiss Smith.
The day had started with England resuming on 251/4. Joe Root, on 99 overnight, reached his century with a boundary on the very first ball. His 37th Test ton placed him fifth on the list of all-time Test century-makers. Bumrah struck soon after, removing Ben Stokes for 44 and then dismissing Root with a sharp nip-backer that crashed into his stumps. Chris Woakes followed for a golden duck in the same over.
Jamie Smith then kept England’s innings alive with an aggressive approach, supported by Carse as England passed the 350-run mark before the lower order collapsed.
Brief Scores:
- England 387 (Joe Root 104, Brydon Carse 56; Jasprit Bumrah 5/74)
- India 145/3 (KL Rahul 53*, Karun Nair 40; Jofra Archer 1/22)
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