Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide for India on the second day of the third Test at Lords, claiming the prized wickets of Ben Stokes and Joe Root in quick succession to keep England in check after a solid start. England, who began the day well placed, found themselves reeling at 271 for 7 by mid-afternoon.

Joe Root, continuing from his overnight 99*, reached a typically composed century, his 32nd in Test cricket, much to the delight of the Lords crowd. However, his stay was cut short on 104 after he played an uncharacteristic shot off Bumrah, dragging the ball onto his stumps. It marked the 11th time Bumrah has dismissed Root in Tests — a remarkable record for the Indian spearhead.

Shortly before Root’s dismissal, England captain Ben Stokes fell for 39, also to Bumrah, in what could prove a pivotal moment in the match. Stokes, who had been nursing a groin injury sustained on the first day, struggled for rhythm and mobility before being undone by a sharp delivery.

England, now five wickets down, are hoping their tail can wag and push the total towards something substantial in the third Test of this tightly contested series.

Meanwhile, India were dealt a significant blow with confirmation that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant remains unavailable due to the finger injury he sustained on day one. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a brief update stating that Pant is still recovering and continues to be under medical supervision. Dhruv Jurel retains wicketkeeping duties in his absence.

As the match hangs delicately in the balance, both sides will be eyeing key moments to gain an upper hand in what is shaping up to be a fascinating contest at the Home of Cricket.