The first day of the third Test between England and India at Lord's concluded on a light-hearted moment between two of the sport's best players, Ravindra Jadeja and Joe Root. Towards the end of the day, Root was 99* at the crease, only one run short of his another Test century. But what followed put smiles on most faces. In the 83rd over of England's innings against Akash Deep, Root hit a back-foot shot in the direction of deep backward point. Jadeja was present to collect the ball. Rather than rushing to throw it back, Jadeja added some drama to the proceedings. He collected the ball, as if he was about to fumble, and then dropped it onto the ground, mischievously challenging Root to return for a second run. Root, sporting a huge grin, declined the bait. He decided to play it safe and opted for a single. It was all light-hearted cricket between two veteran players and brought home the amiable but competitive nature of the game. Watch the video here: Jadeja having fun with the Number two flat pitch bully in the world @HomeOfCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/P4w8AF2mPu — Raw Takes Only💅🏼 (@rawtakesonly) July 10, 2025 Ravinder Jadeja challenged @root66 for rum. Absolutely comedy 😃 😀 😄 @BCCI #ENGvIND #RAVINDRAJADEJA #joeroot pic.twitter.com/FUTJBFP8wy — Anuj Agnihotri (@anuj_agnihotri) July 10, 2025 With that single, Joe Root was left not out on 99 at stumps. The day concluded with England in a dominant position and Root only one run short of a deserved hundred. Also Read | 'He’s a Joker' - Ravi Shastri’s Funny Take on Mohammed Siraj at Lord’s Root Stands Tall as England Bat Cautiously at Lord’s The opening day of the third Test between India and England at Lord's was a slow and steady one. England, after winning the toss, elected to bat first with clear skies. Indian bowlers, headed by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, utilized the new ball effectively in the initial stages. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder, surprised everyone by picking two early wickets immediately after the first drinks break. England's opener Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were both out in the same over, leaving the home team under pressure. Joe Root and Ollie Pope joined forces and stabilised the game. They played cautiously and exhibited respect towards Indian bowlers without taking too much risk. Joe Root scored 99 not out at the close of the day, just one shy of another Test century. Pope scored 44 before being dismissed, and Harry Brook was dismissed bowled by Bumrah. England closed on 251/4, scoring slowly all day with a run rate of just about 3 runs per over. India bowled in control, particularly in the final session. They will target early wickets on Day 2 with the second new ball, which has already begun to move more than the first.