India vs England 3rd Test Day 2-Bumrah's Heroics and Ball Controversy Mark a Dramatic Day at Lord's
Day 2 of the 3rd Test saw all action, with Jasprit Bumrah's shocking bowling rulings that stole the glory while a ball-changing controversy fueled the tensions of the day. It was a day of intensity, impact, and high-class cricket.

Day 2 of the third Test match between India and England at Lord's saw a lot of highs and lows for both teams, the day being a thrilling one overall. Jasprit Bumrah, as has been the case throughout the series, remained the star for India, picking up his fifteenth five-wicket haul in Tests. His brilliant bowling aided India in slowing down England's run but it was not enough to prevent the English team from gaining the upper hand in the match. England concluded their innings at a strong score of 387 runs and thus gained a solid upper hand in the game.
Bumrah was superb with the ball and picked up four additional wickets to his single taken on Day 1 to end with five in the innings. He bowled with immense energy and persistence harassing the England batsmen all day. Despite trying hard England had its way adding mountainous runs as Joe Root finished his century resuming 99 not out from the last day. Root's century was important for England because it provided them with the momentum they required to remain dominant in the match. His composed and concentrated batting displayed the reasons why he is rated as one of the best in the world.
Whilst the cricket being played was quality of the highest what everybody was talking about was the controversy surrounding the ball change, which created an uproar. In the 91st over of the English innings, the ball was replaced and the new ball appeared to disturb the Indian team players. Captain Shubman Gill was clearly annoyed and had a long, animated conversation with the umpires. Mohammed Siraj too was upset and complained to the umpires about the change of ball. The incident soon became the talk of the town and led to heated debate among fans and analysts. This was indicative of the intensity of the match and the fact that nerves were frayed on the pitch.
When India's turn to bat arrived things didn't begin optimistically as Yashasvi Jaiswal got out early giving England the initial breakthrough they were hoping for. But KL Rahul held his nerves and played a solid innings scoring much-needed half-century. His 53 from 113 balls provided some solidity to the Indian innings. Rahul played excellent technique and patience against a well-disciplined English bowling unit. Karun Nair who had come back to the Test team scored a gritty 40 and batted well with Rahul at the crease.
One of the biggest boosts for India arrived when Rishabh Pant came out to bat at his regular number five spot. Pant had picked up an injury on Day 1 and had raised questions regarding his fitness but his presence at the crease brought some relief to the Indian camp. He played with calmness and was unbeaten at 19 from 33 deliveries when play ended on the day. His reputation for turning the game around through his aggressive batting is famous and India will hope that he can do the same on Day 3.
Even though there was some resistance from the Indian batsmen England bowlers succeeded in striking regularly and did not allow the game to get away from them. India were at stumps at 145 for 3 still behind by 242 runs. England bowlers particularly Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir bowled tight lines and put pressure on the Indian team. Even though they did not pick up many wickets they maintained the scoring rate and put things in order for the hosts.
The day was England's as they held on to their dominating position in the game. Despite Bumrah's five-wicket performance being a highlight and India experiencing some bright moments with the bat England remained in the lead on the scoreboard. The Indian team will have to deliver a forceful performance on Day 3 if they wish to recover from the game. Their aim will be to create partnerships and shrink the lead without losing early wickets.
The Lord's crowd saw a day of drama skill and emotion. Right from Root's masterful century to Bumrah's incendiary spell and the sudden ball change fiasco it was a day that had it all for a cricket enthusiast. The battle between bat and ball was fraught and both sides proved why this series is so keenly watched.
India's approach for the next day will be significant. With Pant at the crease and Rahul having already used up sufficient time in the middle India still have an opportunity to stage a recovery. The Lord's pitch has conducted itself well till now and the batsmen must utilize the conditions. The English bowlers, meanwhile, will try to break through early on Day 3 and increase the pressure on the Indian middle order.
This Test has already produced plenty of drama and thrilling cricket and with three more days remaining fans can expect plenty more drama and twists and turns. For India it will be a matter of demonstrating resilience and leveraging the experience of players like Pant and Rahul to battle their way back. For England it will be about consolidating their advantage and remaining disciplined with the ball.
Ultimately and despite the pride and reminder of his world-class ability which Bumrah's five-wicket haul was to India it was England who closed Day 2 in charge. The ball change controversy provided a sudden and added twist to the game and served as a reminder to us all of how capricious and emotional Test cricket is. As the sides look forward to Day 3 the fight remains as open as it was and will be eagerly followed by fans everywhere on this thrilling Test match.