The hallowed grounds of Lord’s witnessed a riveting first day of the third Test between England and India, but amidst the serious contest, a moment of pure cricketing theatre brought smiles to the faces of players and fans alike. As the sun began to set on the iconic London venue, a playful exchange between England’s ace batter Joe Root and India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja provided a light-hearted conclusion to a day largely dominated by the home side’s batting.
Ravindra Jadeja teases Joe Root
With the final over of the day’s play underway, Root, poised on 99 and on the cusp of his 37th Test century, faced a back-of-a-length delivery from the young Indian pacer, Akash Deep. The former England captain nudged the ball off his back foot towards deep backward point, where Jadeja was positioned. A single was taken, putting Root just one run shy of the coveted milestone. However, what followed was a series of gestures and a silent challenge that encapsulated the competitive yet friendly spirit of the game.
Jadeja, known for his athleticism and a “rocket” arm, fielded the ball cleanly. Instead of immediately returning it to the bowler, he held it for a moment, teasing Root into attempting the second run that would complete his hundred. A veteran of countless high-pressure moments, Root, at 35, knew the risk was not worth it. The temptation was strong—the sight of the ball in Jadeja’s hand, the opportunity to reach his century and end the day on a high—but he resisted. The Indian all-rounder, not one to let the moment pass, further extended the joke by dropping the ball onto the ground, feigning an invitation for Root to take the second run.
A wide smile spread across Root’s face as he stood his ground at the non-striker’s end, shaking his head in amused denial. The moment was a testament to the respect between the two players and a classic example of cricketing banter. As the final ball of the day was bowled, Root remained stranded on 99, a solitary run away from a landmark. The day’s play ended, but the image of Root’s infectious smile in response to Jadeja’s playful mind games lingered, becoming the most memorable highlight of the day. He will now have a chance to reach his century on the second day of the Test, a prospect that will surely build anticipation among fans.
Here’s the video:
Rule #1: Never risk it with @imjadeja 😶
Rule #2: If you forget Rule #1 👀#ENGvIND 👉 3rd TEST Day 2 FRI, JULY 11, 2:30 PM streaming on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/6chobVFsBL— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 10, 2025
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj mocks defensive Joe Root with Bazball jibe on Day 1 of Lord’s Test
England’s measured response to the Indian attack
The playful culmination of the day was preceded by a strong and steady performance by the England batting line-up. Despite losing four wickets, the home side finished the day in a commanding position, reaching 251 runs at the close of play. Joe Root was the anchor of the innings, displaying his characteristic elegance and control against both pace and spin. He was well supported by England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who was a picture of resilience at the other end. Stokes ended the day with a solid, unbeaten 39 runs from 102 deliveries, playing the role of the ideal partner to perfection.
The Indian bowling unit, while disciplined, found it challenging to consistently break through the resolute English resistance. Ravindra Jadeja was arguably the pick of the bowlers, showcasing his exceptional control and wicket-taking ability. He was particularly miserly, conceding just 26 runs from his 10 overs while also claiming the crucial wicket of Ollie Pope.
Also READ: Fans react as Joe Root’s gritty 99 not out leads England’s fightback after India’s early strikes on Day 1 of Lord’s Test
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