Root Unbeaten 99 Anchors England at 251-4 vs India at Lord's

England opted for a cautious approach against India on the first day of the third Test at Lord's, departing from their usual aggressive Bazball style to score 251-4. Joe Root was the standout performer, remaining unbeaten on 99 and anchoring two key partnerships, including a 109-run stand with Ollie Pope and an unbroken 79-run partnership with captain Ben Stokes, who was battling a groin injury. England's slow scoring was largely due to disciplined bowling from India, with pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivering a tight spell and Nitish Kumar Reddy making an immediate impact by dismissing both English openers in his first over. India's fielding was tight, and although their seamers struggled to take wickets consistently, spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar contributed with overs and at least one wicket. England’s measured innings allowed them to maintain the upper hand despite the sluggish pitch and the return of Bumrah, with Root nearing his 37th Test century, which would move him up the all-time list for most Test centuries. India faced injury setbacks as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant left the field after sustaining a finger injury during the day.