The opening day of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s saw a mix of intense cricket, bizarre interruptions, and a heated moment involving England captain Ben Stokes, who expressed visible frustration at the umpires during a dramatic session at the Home of Cricket.
🐞 Play Halted by Ladybird Swarm at Lord’s
A rather unusual incident unfolded late in the final session when a swarm of ladybirds briefly stopped play. Both Ben Stokes and Joe Root were visibly distracted as the insects hovered around them, forcing a brief pause in the game. Stokes, already dealing with a minor injury concern, wasn’t amused by the delay and was seen in a stern conversation with the umpires, demanding swift action.
The match resumed shortly after, with Joe Root adding to his score, reaching 99 not out, while Stokes remained unbeaten on 39 as England closed Day 1 at 251/4.
🏏 England’s Recovery Led by Root & Stokes
After a disappointing IND vs ENG 2nd Test, England’s batting got off to a shaky start again at Lord’s. Zak Crawley (18) and Ben Duckett (23) were dismissed early, raising concerns of yet another top-order failure. However, Ollie Pope (44) and the ever-reliable Joe Root helped steady the innings.
Pope departed soon after Tea, and Harry Brook could only add 11 runs. But Ben Stokes, walking in with pressure mounting, dug in with a gritty knock and anchored the end of the day alongside Root.
🗣️ Stokes Fumes at Umpires Over DRS Call
The ladybird interruption wasn’t the only controversy involving Stokes. In a throwback to the previous IND vs ENG Test at Edgbaston, Stokes had furiously objected to a DRS review taken by Yashasvi Jaiswal after the 15-second window had expired.
Jaiswal, who was given out LBW by Josh Tongue, consulted KL Rahul before opting for the review—just as the timer expired. However, the on-field umpire still referred it to the third umpire. Ball-tracking showed three reds, confirming the dismissal, but not before Stokes confronted the officials, demanding clarification on the decision. His frustration was echoed by boos from the home crowd.
Now they've sent bees to stop Jasprit Bumrah! 😳#INDvsENG #ENGvIND #LordsTest #ENGvsIND
— CricketNess (@cricket_ness) July 10, 2025
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📈 Root Trolled at 99 – Missed Century or Day 2 Glory?
As Day 1 came to a close, Joe Root, on 99*, was humorously trolled by an Indian fielder who gestured as if to allow the single and then dropped the ball—teasing Root but denying him his century before stumps.
Despite the joke, Root remained calm and composed, poised for his 37th Test century early on Day 2.
📊 IND vs ENG – Day 1 Summary
| Match | IND vs ENG – 3rd Test |
|---|---|
| Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
| England Score | 251/4 at Stumps (Day 1) |
| Top Scorer | Joe Root – 99* |
| Support Act | Ben Stokes – 39* |
| Main Incident | Ladybird Swarm + DRS Controversy |
| Live Coverage | Star Sports, JioCinema, Hotstar |
🧨 ICC Laws & England’s Frustration
Stokes’ argument with umpires points to ongoing debates around the 15-second DRS rule. As per current ICC regulations, players must opt for DRS within 15 seconds of the umpire’s decision. Inconsistencies in enforcement, like in Jaiswal’s case, continue to frustrate captains like Stokes—especially in high-stakes series like this IND vs ENG Test.
📌 Conclusion
Day 1 at Lord’s was anything but ordinary. From Joe Root’s unbeaten 99, Stokes’ frustration with officials, to a swarm of ladybirds halting play, the India vs England Test series continues to deliver thrilling moments on and off the field. With Root on the verge of a milestone and tensions running high, Day 2 promises more drama in this exciting Test showdown.
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