Day 1 of the third Take a look at between England and India at Lord’s witnessed a charged environment, not simply with the ball but in addition with phrases. Mohammed Siraj, recognized for his fiery spirit, discovered an ideal second to sledge Joe Root throughout a uncommon part of English restraint. As India tightened the noose after lunch, Siraj’s animated dig at Root turned one of many day’s highlights, reminding the world that verbal ways are nonetheless a part of high-pressure Take a look at cricket.
Mohammed Siraj mocks Bazball in a Lord’s Take a look at duel with Joe Root
The defining second got here throughout the thirty first over when England, caught at a standstill for 28 deliveries post-lunch, have been visibly rattled by India’s disciplined bowling assault. Root, clearly annoyed, tried a launch shot just for the ball to bounce sharply and sail previous his exterior edge. Mohammed Siraj, sensing a possibility, turned provocateur. With a smirk and no hesitation, he taunted, ‘Baz, Baz, Bazball. Come on. I need to see,” The cheeky sledge echoed throughout the sphere and was picked up by stump mics, triggering laughter and applause from the Indian camp.
It was Siraj’s not-so-subtle reminder that Bazball, England’s aggressive, fearless batting philosophy, was nowhere to be seen. Movies of the second quickly went viral on-line, with many having fun with the pacer’s theatrical jab. His mockery got here after England had performed 4 consecutive maiden overs, a state of affairs that contradicted all the things their latest Take a look at strategy had stood for. Siraj’s remark wasn’t simply banter; it was strategic psychological warfare, cracking open England’s confidence one dig at a time. It additionally highlighted how India have been dictating phrases, forcing England into an uncharacteristically defensive shell.
Right here’s the video:
MOHAMMAD SIRAJ TO JOE ROOT:
“Baz, Baz, Bazball. Now Play Bazball. I need to see.” pic.twitter.com/uppkzTbLRX
— Ayan (@ayan3955) July 10, 2025
Additionally WATCH: ENG vs IND: Rishabh Pant’s finger damage sees Dhruv Jurel take up wicketkeeping on Day 1 of Lord’s Take a look at
Defensive England and uncharacteristic Ben Stokes choice
The backdrop to Siraj’s sledging was a bigger shock: Ben Stokes’ uncommon option to bat first at dwelling. Since turning into England’s full-time Take a look at captain in 2022, this was solely the second occasion of him opting to bat first on dwelling soil. Followers have been surprised, anticipating a bowl-first technique particularly beneath Lord’s cloudy circumstances. England crawled to 125/2 by the 49rd over at tea, an astonishingly gradual charge of their ‘Bazball; period. Their famed aggression appeared to fade as Bumrah and Siraj saved them on a good leash.
The post-lunch interval noticed immense stress with India’s pacers firing on all cylinders and fielders executing their roles flawlessly. Root and Pope did not rotate the strike, repeatedly hitting the ball straight to fielders. Siraj, combining talent and swagger, turned up the warmth with each ball and tongue, making it clear that this wasn’t going to be a straightforward experience. England’s try to say dominance had backfired, and India’s bowlers made positive to allow them to know. The group sensed a shift in tone: this was no abnormal Take a look at, it was private, aggressive, and brutally trustworthy. Siraj’s remark was symbolic of India taking the combat to England, not simply bodily, however mentally.
Additionally WATCH: ENG vs IND: Shubman Gill drops Telugu one-liner after Nitish Kumar Reddy’s fiery bouncer rattles Joe Root on Day 1 of Lord’s Take a look at
