The enduring Lord’s Cricket Floor performed host to a extremely anticipated conflict as England and India squared off within the third Check of the collection. With the collection poised at 1-1, each groups arrived in London with all the things to play for. Whereas England sought redemption after a heavy defeat within the earlier Check, India appeared to keep up their momentum. But, all eyes had been on one man: Jofra Archer, making his long-awaited return to Check cricket after greater than 4 years on the sidelines because of persistent elbow and again accidents.
Yashasvi Jaiswal falls to an ideal Jofra Archer comeback on Day 2
The thrill was electrical as Archer marked out his run-up for England’s second over, the anticipation palpable among the many packed Lord’s crowd. On simply his third supply, Archer delivered a second that shall be replayed for years: a searing ball at 89mph (143kph) on an ideal size that squared up India’s in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal, who had tormented England in earlier encounters, might do little because the ball took the sting and flew straight to Harry Brook at second slip. Archer erupted in celebration, tearing away in sheer pleasure earlier than enveloping teammate Shoaib Bashir in a bear hug, as the house crowd rose in unison to salute his comeback. Jaiswal trudged off for 13, a uncommon early failure, leaving India 13 for 1 and Lord’s buzzing with the sense that one thing particular was unfolding.
It was a wicket that encapsulated all the things about Archer’s distinctive menace: tempo, precision, and the flexibility to make issues occur out of nowhere. For England followers, it was a flashback to his unforgettable debut summer time six years prior, and an indication that the outdated magic was nonetheless very a lot alive. Archer’s first over was a wicket maiden, an announcement of intent on his return to the format the place he first made his title.
Right here’s the video:
Edged… And carried!
JOFRA IS BACK! 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/xr0hgYtP72
— 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 Check
Joe Root’s century anchors the hosts to a formidable whole
Earlier, England had posted a aggressive 387 of their first innings, constructing their whole round a masterful century from Joe Root. Root’s 104 anchored the innings, with helpful contributions from Ollie Pope (44), Ben Stokes (44), Jamie Smith (51), and Brydon Carse (56). The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul, made common inroads, however England’s decrease order added essential runs to push the whole past 350.
Bumrah’s spell was a reminder of his world-class high quality, as he cleaned up the tail and castled Archer for 4 to finish his five-for. Regardless of the wickets, England’s resilience and Root’s calm accumulation ensured the hosts completed with a rating that put India underneath stress from the outset.
As Day 2 progressed, India discovered themselves 44/1 in reply, nonetheless trailing by 343 runs. Archer’s early strike had already set the tone, and with the Lord’s crowd behind them, England sensed a chance to grab management of the match.
Additionally WATCH: Mohammed Siraj honors late Diogo Jota with heartfelt tribute after dismissing Jamie Smith at Lord’s