As far as delivering on the biggest of stages goes, there is no one better than Jasprit Bumrah. Day 2 of the third Test between India and England at Lord's witnessed Bumrah pen yet another page in his increasing best-seller. With his 13th away Test five-wicket haul—the record for an Indian bowler—he got onto the legendary Lord's honours board. But even with his brilliance, England were able to put on a respectable 387 in their first innings, courtesy of contributions from Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse.

When India started their response, early breakthroughs by a back-from-injury Jofra Archer kept the game finely balanced.

Bumrah's Brilliance at Lord's – A New Benchmark : Betinexchange

Bumrah's spell was a masterclass in control and accuracy. While Root's record hundred had taken England beyond 250, it was Bumrah who tilted the game. It was Bumrah who got rid of Ben Stokes with a ball that skidded in late, knocked over Joe Root's off stump, and then got rid of Chris Woakes in a vicious burst spread over two overs. Each of these wickets drew India nearer to completing the innings, but Smith and Carse had a plan in mind.

As much as Bumrah kept dispatching his lines, it was the 84-run eighth-wicket partnership that went against the Indians. Carse took on Bumrah with confidence, striking boundaries and even hitting a six down the ground. The fast bowler had the last laugh, though, cleaning out Jofra Archer to seal his five-wicket haul—his first at Lord's.

Despite the milestone, Bumrah, true to his nature, showed little emotion. It was his consistent excellence, not celebration, that left an impression.

Archer’s Return and India’s Measured Start

India's response began on a mixed note. Jaiswal, who is famous for his attacking nature, thrashed Chris Woakes with three nice boundaries in the very first over. But the toughest test was put up by Jofra Archer, who was returning to Test cricket after four years. And how.

In only his third over, Archer sent Jaiswal packing with an away-going delivery that took the edge—well-caught in slips by Harry Brook. It was a dream return moment for Archer and a shock for India.

Karun Nair, returning to Test cricket after years, displayed character in the face of Archer's pace. Even though he was beaten a couple of times, Nair remained strong. Meanwhile, KL Rahul was calm and measured at the other end, selecting singles and playing soft hands through the off-side.

Woakes, however, was disappointing. His line was wayward, and his length short, as he allowed the Indian batsmen to find their groove. At Tea, India were 44/1, with Nair 18 not out and Rahul 13 not out.

England's Middle Order Revival: A Missed Opportunity for India

Earlier during the day, it looked like England could be bowled out below 300, particularly after Bumrah's quick strikes. But India were unable to capitalize on the momentum. Rahul's spill of Jamie Smith and a ball change early on—which provided greater movement to England—tilted the game.

Smith, who was given the respite, played some classy shots, such as a flowing extra-cover drive and clever singles to reach his half-century. Carse also played freely, particularly against Siraj, who had two opportunities spilled off his bowling in one over.

Finally, Siraj put an end to England's fight with a precise yorker that bowled Carse, although not before the duo had managed vital lower-order scores that propelled England to a fighting total of 387.

Final Thoughts

India trail by 343 runs at the close of Day 2 but have two established batters in the middle and a pitch with value still remaining for good technique. Bumrah's five-for, a record, has given the visitors a momentum push, but the journey ahead is long.

For followers following every twist and turn, Betinexchange provides a front-row seat to the tactics, trends, and match dynamics. With such high-octane cricket being played out, Day 3 has more drama to be played at the Home of Cricket.