ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Joe Root plucks a blinder to dismiss Karun Nair on Day 2 of the Lord’s Take a look at

The enduring Lord’s Cricket Floor performed host to the third Take a look at of the England vs India sequence. With the sequence tantalizingly poised, each groups arrived in London hungry for a decisive edge. England, having posted a formidable 387 of their first innings—thanks largely to Joe Root’s masterful 104—appeared to press house the benefit. India, in reply, discovered themselves at 79 for two on the shut of Day 2, trailing by 308 runs and going through a stern examination from the English seamers and the load of historical past on the house of cricket.

Joe Root grabs one-handed surprise to dismiss Karun Nair

The spotlight of Day 2 arrived within the twenty first over of India’s innings, as Ben Stokes angled one throughout Karun Nair. Nair, who had appeared composed for his 40 off 62 balls, was squared up by the seam motion and will solely handle a thick outdoors edge. What adopted was pure cricketing theatre: Root, stationed at first slip, flung himself low to his left and snatched the ball simply millimetres above the turf. The catch was so near the bottom that the third umpire was referred to as into motion, however replays confirmed Root’s fingers have been safely underneath the ball.

This second was not only a statistical milestone however a turning level within the session. Root’s reflexes and anticipation showcased why he’s thought-about one of many recreation’s trendy greats—not simply with the bat, however within the area. The dismissal broke a promising partnership between Nair and KL Rahul, halting India’s progress simply as they gave the impression to be settling in after the early lack of Yashasvi Jaiswal to Jofra Archer’s fiery opening burst.

Right here’s the video:

Out on his personal on the 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐩 🔝

What a strategy to go clear with probably the most catches in Take a look at historical past 🥇 pic.twitter.com/zDMUdRFZcq

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2025

Additionally READ: ENG vs IND: Followers go wild as Jasprit Bumrah enters honours board with fiery 5-wicket haul on Day 2 of Lord’s Take a look at

One other begin slips away from Nair within the English tour

For Nair, the Lord’s Take a look at was yet one more chapter in a irritating sample. Having returned to the Indian facet after years within the wilderness, Nair has repeatedly proven glimpses of his expertise—getting begins, wanting assured, however failing to transform them into substantial scores. His 40 at Lord’s adopted related efforts in earlier matches on the tour, the place he has crossed 20 thrice however has not managed a single fifty. Every time, a lapse in focus or a second of brilliance from the opposition has reduce his innings brief.

At Lord’s, Nair’s dismissal was significantly galling. He had finished the arduous work, negotiating the brand new ball and constructing a gradual partnership with Rahul. However simply as he appeared poised to anchor India’s reply, Root’s brilliance ended his keep. With India nonetheless trailing by over 200 runs and the strain mounting, Nair’s incapacity to capitalize on his begin leaves questions on his long-term place within the facet, particularly with proficient children ready within the wings.

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