The England vs India Test at Lord’s in 2025 started with a bang. England made it to lunch at 83 for 2 after a rocky start thanks to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s two quick wickets. England chose to bat first on a lively pitch and had to fight off some early pressure from India’s bowlers, including Reddy, making his debut, and Jasprit Bumrah. But Joe Root and Ollie Pope put together a solid partnership of 39 runs, setting things up for an interesting match. Let’s break down the exciting first session, the important moments, and what’s coming up in this big Test match.
England Bats First – A Brave Call?
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss for the third time in a row and decided to bat. The crowd at Lord’s loved it. This came after their plan to bowl first didn’t work out in the last game. Stokes seemed to think his batters could make the most of the conditions early on. India’s Shubman Gill said he wasn’t sure what he would have done, but thought bowling first might have been the better choice, thinking the pitch would help the bowlers most in the morning. So, England was counting on their top players to get them off to a good start.
Openers Survive a Tricky Start
England’s opening pair, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, were both careful and aggressive as they dealt with some tough bowling from India. Bumrah, playing instead of Prasidh Krishna, really tested Duckett, hitting him several times. Crawley went on the attack, hitting four boundaries, including one off an edge. Even with a few close calls, they made it to the drinks break at 39 for 0, giving England a good base.
Reddy Changes the Game
The game took a turn when Nitish Kumar Reddy came into the attack. He had a dream start, taking two wickets in his first over. First, Duckett tried to pull a short ball but edged it to the wicketkeeper. Then, Reddy got Crawley with a ball that nipped away off the seam and caught the edge. This got India excited.
Pope Gets a Break, Gains Confidence
Between Reddy’s wickets, Pope edged his first ball to gully, but Shubman Gill couldn’t hang on to the catch. Pope made the most of this chance, teaming up with Root to steady the innings. He started playing with more confidence, and Root was his usual calm self. Their 39-run partnership got England to 83 for 2 by lunch.
Bumrah a Threat, England Hangs Tough
Bumrah was a handful in his first spell, testing England’s batters with pace and movement. Duckett really struggled against him. But Root and Pope managed to see off his third spell before lunch, which was key. Their partnership meant England only lost two wickets in the session – not bad considering how good India’s bowling was.
What England Was Thinking
Stokes’ choice to bat first was a gamble, as the pitch had some moisture that India wanted to take advantage of. England’s top players, especially Root and Pope, showed how important it is to bat through the tough periods against a top bowling attack. The pitch should get easier to bat on as the game goes on. England will want to build a big first innings score to put pressure on India.
India’s Strong Bowling
India’s bowling attack, with Bumrah leading and Reddy having a great debut, showed how much quality they have. Reddy’s two quick wickets showed he could be a star, and Bumrah was always a threat. The dropped catch of Pope was a reminder that anything can happen in Test cricket. India will want to take any chances they get in the next session.
England vs India, 3rd Test at Lord’s 2025 – Day 1 (Session 1) Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Context | 3rd Test of the series (1–1 scoreline); Crucial decider at Lord’s, London |
| Toss | England won the toss and chose to bat first |
| Pitch Report | Fresh, green surface with morning moisture; bounce and seam movement early |
| Opening Partnership | Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett – 39 runs |
| Bowling Threat | Jasprit Bumrah troubled Duckett with pace and bounce |
| Game-Changing Moment | Nitish Kumar Reddy took 2 wickets in one over – Duckett and Crawley |
| Big Miss | Shubman Gill dropped Ollie Pope early at gully |
| Standout Partnership | Joe Root & Ollie Pope – 39* run stand stabilized the innings |
| Session Score | England 83/2 at lunch |
| Key England Performers | Joe Root (calm presence), Ollie Pope (confident after dropped chance) |
| Key Indian Performers | Nitish Reddy (2 wickets in debut session), Bumrah (hostile early spell) |
| Captain’s Gamble | Ben Stokes opted to bat first in challenging conditions |
| Strategic Takeaways | England looked to bat long; India relied on early breakthroughs |
| Pitch Behavior | Helped seamers early; expected to flatten out as match progresses |
| Session Verdict | Balanced – Reddy gave India the edge, but Root-Pope fightback was solid |
| What’s Next | England will aim to build a strong total; India will target Root-Pope duo |
| Series Stakes | With series level at 1–1, this match is crucial for gaining the upper hand |
| Player to Watch – ENG | Joe Root – fluent technique and experience |
| Player to Watch – IND | Nitish Kumar Reddy – sensational debut, key for middle-order wickets |
Coming Up Next
After lunch, the focus will be on Root and Pope to keep their partnership going and get England to a good score. India will be looking to Bumrah and Reddy to keep the pressure on. Expect a tight contest as England tries to build and India tries to break through.
Players to Watch
Joe Root will be key for England with his great technique. Ollie Pope has a chance to make a big score after his early let-off. For India, Nitish Kumar Reddy has already made a name for himself, and Bumrah is always a game-changer.
Why This Game Matters
This isn’t just any game – it’s England vs India at Lord’s. India is coming off a win, and England wants to bounce back, so there’s a lot on the line. It’s a big moment in the series.
To sum up
The first session had it all: drama, skill, and great moments. Reddy’s two wickets put India in charge, but Root and Pope kept England in the game. It should be a great Test match.
England vs India 3rd Test, Lord’s 2025 – Day 1 (Lunch Session) FAQ
Q1. What’s the current score of the England vs India 3rd Test at Lord’s?
A: At lunch on Day 1, England reached 83 for 2 after a dramatic first session featuring strong bowling and a stabilizing partnership.
Q2. Who won the toss and what was the decision?
A: England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to take early advantage before the pitch flattened out.
Q3. Why was England’s decision to bat first seen as bold?
A: The morning conditions at Lord’s had moisture, offering seam movement. India’s bowling attack could’ve exploited that, so batting first was a gamble that needed strong technique and mental discipline.
Q4. Who were England’s opening batters and how did they start?
A: Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opened for England. They played cautiously early on and put on a 39-run stand before both fell to Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Q5. What made Nitish Kumar Reddy’s debut so special?
A: In a dream debut, Reddy took two wickets in one over, dismissing Duckett and Crawley. He bowled with confidence and movement, instantly making a mark on international cricket.
Q6. How did Joe Root and Ollie Pope rescue the innings?
A: After Reddy’s double blow, Joe Root (calm and composed) and Ollie Pope (confident after an early drop) stitched together a crucial 39-run partnership, helping England reach lunch without further damage.
Q7. What role did Jasprit Bumrah play in the first session?
A: Bumrah was relentless, especially in his first and third spells. He tested Duckett and created constant pressure, showcasing his class on a helpful pitch.
Q8. What was the key turning point in the session?
A: The double strike by Nitish Kumar Reddy in his first over was the biggest turning point. But Shubman Gill’s dropped catch of Pope also allowed England to recover.
Q9. How has the pitch behaved so far?
A: The pitch offered seam and bounce early on but is expected to flatten out by Day 2. Timing and footwork were crucial for batters to survive the initial spells.
Q10. Which players should we watch out for in the next session?
A:
- Joe Root – anchor of England’s batting
- Ollie Pope – looking to cash in after an early life
- Nitish Reddy – threatening debut spell, confidence growing
- Jasprit Bumrah – could break the partnership with reverse swing later
Q11. What’s at stake in this Test match?
A: The series is tied at 1–1, and with this being a high-pressure game at Lord’s, the winner here could shape the rest of the series momentum.
Q12. How are fans reacting to the first session?
A: Fans are buzzing about Reddy’s dream debut and Root’s elegance under pressure. Social media is praising India’s bowling depth and the competitive spirit of the match.