The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground played host to the third Test of the England vs India series. With the series tantalizingly poised, both teams arrived in London hungry for a decisive edge. England, having posted a formidable 387 in their first innings—thanks largely to Joe Root’s masterful 104—looked to press home the advantage. India, in reply, found themselves at 79 for 2 at the close of Day 2, trailing by 308 runs and facing a stern examination from the English seamers and the weight of history at the home of cricket.
Joe Root grabs one-handed wonder to dismiss Karun Nair
The highlight of Day 2 arrived in the 21st over of India’s innings, as Ben Stokes angled one across Karun Nair. Nair, who had looked composed for his 40 off 62 balls, was squared up by the seam movement and could only manage a thick outside edge. What followed was pure cricketing theatre: Root, stationed at first slip, flung himself low to his left and snatched the ball just millimetres above the turf. The catch was so close to the ground that the third umpire was called into action, but replays confirmed Root’s fingers were safely under the ball.
This moment was not just a statistical milestone but a turning point in the session. Root’s reflexes and anticipation showcased why he’s considered one of the game’s modern greats—not just with the bat, but in the field. The dismissal broke a promising partnership between Nair and KL Rahul, halting India’s progress just as they seemed to be settling in after the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal to Jofra Archer’s fiery opening burst.
Here’s the video:
Out on his own at the 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐩 🔝
What a way to go clear with the most catches in Test history 🥇 pic.twitter.com/zDMUdRFZcq
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2025
Another start slips away from Nair in the English tour
For Nair, the Lord’s Test was yet another chapter in a frustrating pattern. Having returned to the Indian side after years in the wilderness, Nair has repeatedly shown glimpses of his talent—getting starts, looking assured, but failing to convert them into substantial scores. His 40 at Lord’s followed similar efforts in previous matches on the tour, where he has crossed 20 three times but has not managed a single fifty. Each time, a lapse in concentration or a moment of brilliance from the opposition has cut his innings short.
At Lord’s, Nair’s dismissal was particularly galling. He had done the hard work, negotiating the new ball and building a steady partnership with Rahul. But just as he seemed poised to anchor India’s reply, Root’s brilliance ended his stay. With India still trailing by over 200 runs and the pressure mounting, Nair’s inability to capitalize on his start leaves questions about his long-term place in the side, especially with talented youngsters waiting in the wings.
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj honors late Diogo Jota with heartfelt tribute after dismissing Jamie Smith at Lord’s