11 Jul, 2025 | 09:32 PM
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name onto the Lord’s honours board with a superb five-wicket haul, his first at the iconic venue, as India bowled England out for 387 on an eventful second day of the second Test. In a day that celebrated pace bowling, it was also a fairytale return for Jofra Archer, who struck with his third delivery in red-ball cricket after a prolonged injury layoff.
While Bumrah carved out a new chapter in his already impressive legacy—his five-wicket haul now making him the Indian fast bowler with the most away five-fors (13), surpassing Kapil Dev—Archer cleared away the cobwebs of three years of frustration. Clocking 93 mph in his very first over back, Archer removed Yashasvi Jaiswal early in India’s reply, after the opener had smacked three boundaries in the opening over.
The Lord’s crowd was treated to a thrilling contest, starting with Joe Root reaching his 37th Test century. Having spent the night on 99, Root edged his first ball of the morning to the boundary to reach the landmark, overtaking legends Rahul Dravid and Steven Smith to break into the all-time top five Test century-makers. But his joy was short-lived—Root was dismissed by Bumrah once again, falling to the India seamer for the 11th time in Tests. Bumrah also accounted for England captain Ben Stokes during a potent spell that shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
There were small but significant contributions from India beyond Bumrah. Shubman Gill’s successful review to dismiss Chris Woakes, and his animated discussions with the umpires over a worn second new ball, reflected the visitors' intensity. Their protest eventually led to the ball being changed again, just eight overs after the previous replacement.
Despite India's efforts, England’s lower order frustrated the bowlers. Jamie Smith, dropped on 5 by KL Rahul, capitalised with a gritty 52-ball half-century, leading another England lower-order resistance. He found solid support in Brydon Carse, who compiled an entertaining maiden Test fifty. The final three wickets added a vital 116 runs for England.
In response, India ended the session at 44 for 1. After Jaiswal's early aggression and quick dismissal, KL Rahul and Karun Nair weathered England’s pace attack, including a barrage of short balls. Nair, back in the XI and determined to make his second chance count, battled through testing spells from Archer and Co. as India looked to build a solid platform heading into the final session.
Key Highlights:
Jasprit Bumrah took 5 wickets at Lord’s, his 13th overseas five-for, breaking Kapil Dev’s record.
Joe Root scored his 37th Test century, surpassing Dravid and Smith.
Jofra Archer struck with his third ball in Test cricket after three years away due to injury.
Jamie Smith (50) and Brydon Carse (50*) led a late England fightback, adding 116 for the last three wickets.
India reached 44/1 at tea, trailing by 343.
A day that began with promise for England ultimately saw India claw their way back into the contest—thanks to a searing spell of fast bowling and a bowler who now has a piece of history at the home of cricket.
