The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s got off to a gripping start, but not in the explosive manner many had anticipated. After being battered by India in Birmingham, England arrived in London looking to regroup. However, what followed on Day 1 was a complete departure from their high-octane Bazball philosophy. Instead, they adopted a conservative strategy, playing out the day with restraint and caution—a move that caught many, including India skipper Shubman Gill, by surprise.
England press pause on Bazball as conditions dictate caution
Known for their aggressive and fearless batting under the Stokes-McCullum regime, England stunned fans and critics alike by putting the brakes on their natural style. The Lord’s surface, offering early movement and uneven bounce, compelled the hosts to bat with patience rather than flair.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett—typically known for attacking the new ball—were content to leave deliveries and rotate strike. Their opening stand was slow and steady, and were soon dismissed as England reached 75/2 by Lunch, the lowest first-innings session total at home since the Bazball era began. The run rate hovered around 2.9 through the second session, marking England’s second-slowest scoring session at home since 2022.
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj mocks defensive Joe Root with Bazball jibe on Day 1 of Lord’s Test
Shubman Gill take a dig at England for ditching bazball style of play
As England continued to bat with caution, India’s captain Gill didn’t miss a chance to voice his thoughts. His stump-mic comment during the second session quickly went viral. Gill took a cheeky dig at England’s unexpected shift from their aggressive Bazball approach to a much more conservative style of play. He was caught saying: “No more entertaining cricket, laads. Welcome back to boring Test cricket, boys.”
The playful jab, directed at Joe Root and Ollie Pope, highlighted how far England had strayed from their usual approach. Earlier in the day, pacer Mohammed Siraj also urged Root to “play Bazball,” underlining India’s awareness of the shift in England’s game plan.
Here’s the video:
#ShubmanGill, with the most sarcastic sledge of the season kyunki ye seekhne nahi, sikhane aaye hain 😎
“Welcome to Boring Test Cricket.” 🫢💭
Who said Test matches aren’t spicy? 🔥#ENGvIND 👉 3rd TEST, DAY 1 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/H1YUOckUwK pic.twitter.com/U7fEy4HXpR
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 10, 2025
Meanwhile, by stumps, England had reached 224/4, with Root unbeaten on 99 and Ben Stokes holding firm at the other end. The duo’s partnership steadied the innings after a mid-session slump, setting up an intriguing Day 2 at Lord’s.
Also WATCH: ENG vs IND – Ravindra Jadeja playfully challenges Joe Root on 99, daring him to take the run
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