Team India Struggles to Take Wickets Before Lunch in Crucial Test Match

Team India managed just two wickets before lunch on Day 1 of the third Test against England at Lord’s in 2025. Discover why India struggled, key moments, and what’s next in this crucial World Test Championship match.

On July 10, 2025, cricket fans were glued to their screens as Team India faced a tough session on the field during the third Test match of their tour of England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. By lunch on Day 1, India had managed to claim just two wickets, leaving them with an uphill battle to dominate the game. This article dives into the events of the session, analyzing India’s bowling performance, key moments, and what lies ahead in this high-stakes Test series.

The Context: India vs. England at Lord’s

The India vs. England Test series, part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, has been a thrilling contest so far, with the series level at 1-1. After a commanding 336-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston, led by Shubman Gill’s remarkable batting and Akash Deep’s sensational 10-wicket haul, India arrived at Lord’s with momentum.

However, the morning session on Day 1 of the third Test saw England’s batsmen hold firm, testing India’s bowling attack.According to updates from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), England reached 83/2 in 25 overs by lunch, with India’s bowlers struggling to make further breakthroughs after early successes. This article explores why India could only secure two wickets and what this means for the rest of the match.

India’s Bowling Strategy: Early Success but Limited Breakthroughs

India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, who returned after being rested for the second Test, was expected to exploit the conditions at Lord’s. The team also included Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made an immediate impact. By the 14th over, Reddy had dismissed both England openers, leaving the hosts at 44/2. His ability to extract movement and induce edges showcased his potential as a rising star.

However, after those early wickets, India’s bowlers found it challenging to maintain the pressure. Social media posts from fans on X noted that the bowling lengths were slightly off, with Bumrah, Siraj, and Deep occasionally bowling too short, allowing England’s batsmen to settle in. The pitch at Lord’s, known for offering swing and seam movement, didn’t yield as much assistance as India might have hoped, and England’s middle order capitalized on this to stabilize the innings.

Key Moments Before Lunch

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Breakthroughs: The young all-rounder struck early, removing England’s openers with precise bowling. His dismissals were a testament to captain Shubman Gill’s faith in the debutant, who was brought into the attack to maintain pressure after the initial overs.
England’s Resilience: After losing two quick wickets, England’s batsmen adopted a cautious approach, focusing on rotating the strike and avoiding risky shots. This strategy frustrated India’s bowlers, who struggled to create consistent chances.
Missed Opportunities: Fans on X pointed out that India’s bowlers were unlucky at times, with close calls not going their way. The slightly shorter lengths allowed England to survive without losing further wickets before the break.

Why Only Two Wickets?

Analyzing India’s ChallengesSeveral factors contributed to India’s modest wicket tally by lunch:

Pitch Conditions: While Lord’s is known for assisting fast bowlers, the pitch on Day 1 appeared to favor batsmen once the initial moisture settled. England’s batsmen adapted well, playing with soft hands to counter the swing.
Bowling Lengths: As noted by cricket enthusiasts on X, India’s pacers occasionally bowled too short, reducing the chances of inducing edges or lbw dismissals. Adjusting lengths to hit the top of off-stump could be key in the post-lunch session.
England’s Tactical Approach: England’s batsmen, aware of India’s potent bowling attack, played conservatively, focusing on survival rather than aggressive scoring. This approach limited India’s opportunities to strike.
Absence of Spin Impact: With spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the squad, India might have expected early turn, but the pitch offered little assistance to spin in the morning session.

What’s Next for Team India?

The lunch break offers India a chance to regroup and refine their strategy. With Bumrah back in the attack and Akash Deep’s confidence high after his heroics in Birmingham, India will aim to tighten their lines and lengths in the second session.

Captain Shubman Gill, who has shown astute leadership, will likely encourage his bowlers to target the stumps and exploit any swing available in the afternoon conditions.The return of Jofra Archer to England’s lineup also adds intrigue, as India’s batsmen will face a stern test when their turn comes. For now, the focus remains on breaking England’s middle order and preventing a big first-innings total.

Key Players to Watch

Jasprit Bumrah: As one of the world’s best fast bowlers, Bumrah’s ability to deliver unplayable deliveries could turn the tide for India.
Akash Deep: After his 10-wicket haul in the previous Test, Deep will be eager to prove he’s no one-hit wonder.
Shubman Gill: The young captain’s tactical decisions, including bowling changes and field placements, will be crucial in the post-lunch session.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: The debutant’s early wickets show promise, and his role as an all-rounder could be pivotal.

The cricketing world is abuzz with discussions about India’s performance. Posts on X reflect a mix of optimism and frustration, with fans praising Reddy’s early breakthroughs but urging the bowlers to be more consistent. The series, tied at 1-1, is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with Lord’s being a historic venue for both teams. India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston in the second Test has boosted their confidence, but England’s resilience in Leeds during the first Test shows they are no pushovers.

India’s bowling unit faced a challenging morning at Lord’s, but with their talent and depth, they have the potential to bounce back. The post-lunch session will be critical as India looks to assert dominance in this pivotal Test. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds at the Home of Cricket!