KL Rahul Holds Firm as India Trail England After Day 2 of Lord's Test

KL Rahul Holds Firm as India Trail England After Day 2 of Lord's Test Aug, 4 2025

Day 2 Drama: England Dominate Early, India Regroup

If you thought Test cricket was getting predictable, Day 2 at Lord's between India and England served up a reminder—anything can happen. England put up 387 in their first innings, a total that looked even more formidable as India lost early wickets. But as the day faded, KL Rahul was still out there, calm as ever on 33, doing what he does best—holding things together when India needed it most.

India's reply started in the worst way possible. Yashasvi Jaiswal, full of intent, smashed a couple of boundaries before Jofra Archer—back in Test whites after a long break—sent in a searing delivery that clipped his off stump. That’s Archer for you: barely breaking sweat, making big moments look casual. The crowd barely had time to digest Jaiswal's fall before more drama unfolded.

  • India vs England took another twist when Karun Nair, who looked composed for 40, tried to counter-attack but Ben Stokes lured him into an edge. Joe Root—never too far from the action—snatched up the catch to mark his 211th in Tests. Bit of a milestone, but Nair’s disappointment was obvious as he trudged off.
  • Shubman Gill had been in good nick lately, but Chris Woakes got him edging one behind, and suddenly Lord’s felt like it was shifting England’s way again. Three down and things could have nosedived fast.

It didn’t, though. Rishabh Pant, India’s vice-captain, walked in and immediately calmed nerves with Rahul. Pant didn’t do anything flashy—he just steadied the ship, making sure England’s bowlers didn’t pick up another late wicket before stumps. They left India with seven wickets in hand and a task ahead, but at least things weren’t spiraling.

England’s Batting: Root Steals the Show, Bumrah Strikes Back

England’s Batting: Root Steals the Show, Bumrah Strikes Back

Earlier, England’s total did a lot to shape the day. Joe Root was the headline act, cracking his 37th Test century on a surface that had just enough for the bowlers. Root looked as if batting came with cheat codes—timing, placement, and composure all rolled into one. His partners weren’t star names, but that didn’t mean the runs dried up. Jamie Smith chipped in a handy 55, and Brydon Carse surprised a few with a punchy 34.

India’s bowlers had to work hard for every break. Jasprit Bumrah was the one who found a way, giving his captain a five-wicket haul (5/89), rattling the tail and making sure India weren’t chasing something impossible. His lethal yorkers and clever use of the old ball made a difference, especially when England threatened to run away with things.

That’s where things stand as Day 3 looms. India are still 242 runs behind, but with KL Rahul still out there and Pant settling in, there’s hope for a big partnership. England, fueled by the Lord’s crowd and memories of early wickets, will be looking for another quick strike. For now, it’s a Test in balance, the kind that keeps you hooked session by session.