Can Joe Root and Ollie Pope Keep England on Top?

London, July 10 (NationPress) Joe Root recorded his second half-century in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, forming a resilient unbroken partnership of 109 runs with Ollie Pope as they propelled England to a score of 153/2 in 49 overs against India during tea on the first day of the third Test at Lord’s on Thursday.

The session exemplified attritional Test cricket, with Root remaining unbeaten on 54 and Pope on 44, as they faced a disciplined Indian bowling attack that maintained tight lines. However, when India overpitched slightly, the duo capitalized on the opportunity to score.

A concerning moment arose for India when Rishabh Pant exited the field due to a left finger injury while attempting to stop a leg-side delivery. Dhruv Jurel took over the wicketkeeping duties. According to a recent update from Sky Sports, Pant’s injury is not serious; he reportedly chipped a nail on his index finger and is currently applying ice.

The second session commenced with Pope elegantly flicking a delivery from Bumrah through square leg for four runs. Nonetheless, Bumrah and Siraj proved to be a challenge for Root and Pope, delivering maiden overs and building pressure. Bumrah even succeeded in striking Pope on the pads with consecutive deliveries.

After a string of 28 dot balls, Pope finally managed to score off Bumrah by squeezing a vicious inswinging yorker to mid-wicket. Meanwhile, India's troubles continued as Pant attempted to stop another delivery from Bumrah but was hit on the fingertips of his left hand, causing him considerable pain that required treatment from physio Kamlesh Jain.

Pant completed the 34th over before leaving the field, with Jurel stepping in as his replacement. Amidst these challenges, Root and Pope showcased their resilience, reaching the partnership's fifty milestone, with Root executing a beautiful square drive off Mohammed Siraj.

After the drinks break, Root and Pope remained patient, with Root taking control and striking Reddy for two boundaries, including one following a ball change after 42 overs. He then celebrated his 67th Test fifty by deftly clipping Reddy through fine leg for four, complemented by Pope’s leg-side boundaries off Akash.

The duo achieved a century partnership before concluding the session in favor of England, though India will be keen to note the turn and bounce Ravindra Jadeja managed in his over before the tea break.

Earlier, Root and Pope contributed to an unbroken 39-run stand after Nitish Kumar Reddy’s double strikes, helping England reach 83/2 in 25 overs at lunch.

Bowling at a gentle pace and known for exploiting a new-ish red ball, Reddy claimed two wickets in his first over, dismissing Duckett and Crawley, who had survived the initial hour of play. Root (24 not out) and Pope (12 not out) then led England's recovery, reaching lunch without further casualties.

Brief scores:

England 153/2 in 49 overs (Joe Root 54 not out, Ollie Pope 44 not out; Nitish Kumar Reddy 2-35) against India