Sundar Strikes Twice as India Tightens Grip on England in 3rd Test at Lord’s

India took firm control on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s after Washington Sundar removed two key English batters, Joe Root and Jamie Smith, in a tense second session. By tea, England had reached 175 for 6 in 52 overs, with captain Ben Stokes on 27 and Chris Woakes on 8, both still at the crease.

Sundar Breaks the Backbone

After a strong 67-run partnership between Root and Stokes, India needed a breakthrough. While pacers Bumrah and Siraj bowled with intensity, it was Sundar who delivered. He found rough patches on the pitch and used them cleverly to dismiss Root, who was bowled while attempting a sweep shot for 40 runs off 96 balls.
Jamie Smith was the next to go. He stayed for only 14 balls before a straight delivery from Sundar beat his bat and hit the stumps. Smith was out for just 8 runs.

Root’s Missed Chances

Earlier in the session, Root had some luck. Just after lunch, he edged a ball from Akash Deep, but wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel dropped the catch. Even if it had been taken, it wouldn’t have counted, as replays showed Akash had overstepped. Root also survived a close LBW appeal from Siraj, thanks to the umpire’s call after a review showed the ball just brushing the leg stump.

India Strikes Early in the Morning

England had started the day at 2/0. Siraj gave India an early breakthrough, removing Ben Duckett for 12. He then dismissed Ollie Pope for just 4 before the first drinks break. Crawley, who had looked steady, fell for 22 to Nitish Reddy. Harry Brook added 23 off 17 balls but was bowled by Akash Deep.

Earlier in the Test

India had matched England’s first-innings score of 387, thanks to KL Rahul’s century and Jadeja’s 72. England, who chose to bat first, had earlier posted 387 with Root scoring 104 and Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse both hitting fifties.

Brief Score:

England: 387 & 175/6 (Root 40, Stokes 27*; Sundar 2/13)
India: 387 (Rahul 100, Pant 74; Woakes 3/84)