Second LV= Insurance Test at Lord's, India (364), Rahul 129 and Rohit 83. Anderson 5-62 England 391 Root 180*, Bairstow 56, Siraj 4-94 England Lead by 27 Runs Scorecard
England's Joe Root was a masterful captain, scoring a second century in the span of one week. However, the second Test is perfectly poised following India's revival late on day 3.
Root carried the home side just like last Saturday at Trent Bridge. Root batted through a sunny day to score an unbeaten 180 at Lord's.
Jonny Bairstow supported him, his 57th Test half-century was his first in two years. Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler and 27 and 23 each contributed to the support.
England appeared to be on the verge of a healthy lead in the first innings, but Ishant Sharma snatched Sam Curran and Moeen in consecutive deliveries.
The hosts were finally bowled out for 391 -- a 27-run advantage - in the final ball of an entertaining, compelling day.
India's second innings will determine the direction of the match. The tourists will bat again on a pitch which is slow and flat with a hint of low bounce.
Peerless Root does this again
England were weak in the first Test draw and were in a vulnerable spot when India reached 276-3. India won the second day at this venue. However, Root and James Anderson have helped them to fight back.
Root is producing the kind of bat that only a few players in English history have ever been able to, just like Anderson's 5-62 return on Friday.
This was his fifth century in 2021, based on 10 Tests. Because he ran out partners, he was denied the chance to be the first England player ever to score three double hundreds in one year.
Root was 48 runs out overnight and it seemed certain that he would make the most of perfect batting conditions by driving to the boundary in the second over.
It was rare that a run was scored on the ground. It was instead off-side drives, punches from front and back foot and delicate dabs to the third man with whips or flicks off of the pads. He never got bogged down and hustled between the wickets like his life depended upon it.
Root, in a reprise of last week's celebration, celebrated this 100 - his 22nd birthday - in animated, emotional fashion, punching the air, and howling to heavens.
Root was untouchable, soaking in the applause, and there was more to come.
Supporting cast plays their part
Root was left at Trent Bridge as a virtual player, but the support he received here from the middle orders not only helped England to win, but could also bode well in the future.
Bairstow endured a two-year struggle in which he lost his wicketkeeping gloves, was dropped, recalled, rested, and was shunted around the team.
In Nottingham, he showed signs of improvement and scored freely here in the first hour. He was able reach his first fifty on this ground since the 2019 Ashes Test, but he disappointedly was out pulling for the second week in a row, this time gloating Siraj to slip.
Buttler looked out of touch but was still feeling his way through the gate. Moeen, however, was able to recall excellent judgement before he edged to the first slip.
England's Mark Wood led the charge, but was beaten by Root in a mixup. Anderson bravely fought back to win after being struck on the helmet by Jasprit Bumrah during a barrage short-pitched bowling. Mohammed Shami then cleaned it up.
India's perseverance pays off
The India attack overcame heat and pitch to win the day.
Although they might regret the decision to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin as an off-spinner, it was pace bowler Ishant who inspired the late fightback.
Curran moved his first ball to the second slip after Ishant had snared Moeen. England had lost three wickets in England's 16-run defeat to Ollie Robinson.
Although India's openers were likely relieved to not have to examine the new ball Saturday night, it will be the tourists who will be put under greater pressure on Sunday when the fascinating contest resumes.
They said, "We can come with fire in the bellies"
Jonny Bairstow, England batsman on BBC Sport: "We got 27, in front. Many people would have grabbed your hands if you had said that at the beginning of the day.
"We head into tomorrow morning with a lead and a new ball. We have bowlers who are ready to impress.
After what we saw last night, I'm certain Jimmy will come out with his hair a little bit longer. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day.
Deep Dasgupta, former India wicketkeeper: "India is under pressure now. They will be under pressure if they lose a few early wickets.
"So far, it has been KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma who have scored the most runs. They have a long tail and the middle order is struggling.
Jonathan Agnew, BBC cricket correspondent: "That's a tremendous effort from England. Joe Root was the leader. It was a great game.
"Tomorrow should prove to be an interesting day." Two really great days are needed."
