London:
The morning session of Day 2 at Lord’s began with high drama and rising tempers, particularly for Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, whose frustrations grew following a missed catch and repeated delays during his spell — all unfolding shortly after Joe Root brought up his 37th Test century.
Siraj had a chance to dismiss Jamie Smith early in the session with a delivery that pitched on a back-of-a-length and nipped away, inducing an edge. The ball flew to KL Rahul at second slip at a comfortable height, but what should have been a routine catch slipped through his fingers.
Siraj could only stand mid-pitch in disbelief as the opportunity went down.
To add to his irritation, Siraj was interrupted twice before he could deliver the next ball — both times by Root. First, there was a sight-screen issue. Then, just as Siraj began his run-up again, Root pulled away once more, this time appearing to pick up some debris on the pitch.
Already wound up by the dropped chance, Siraj stopped awkwardly mid-run and muttered sarcastically, “take your time” toward Root.
The incident came in the immediate aftermath of Root converting his overnight 99 into a century, a knock that reflected grit and patience rather than flair. After two lean Tests, Root’s innings was a return to form and a throwback to his vintage batting style — careful, composed, and methodical.
Stokes, still nursing a groin or adductor issue, was unable to sprint for a second run in the final over of Day 1, delaying Root’s century moment until the following day.
🎯 Bumrah Strikes Back
Not long after the flare-up between Root and Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a critical blow by dismissing Root for 104, getting him out for the 11th time in Tests. The delivery angled into the right-hander, took a thick inside edge, and crashed into the stumps.
Bumrah wasn’t done yet — on the very next ball, he removed Chris Woakes for a golden duck, swinging the momentum back in India’s favour.