3 things England need to do right on Day 2 to dominate ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord's

Day 1 of the highly anticipated third Test at Lord’s saw little separating England and India, as a sluggish pitch and disciplined Indian bowling forced Ben Stokes and his men to adopt a traditional Test-match approach, closing the day at 251-4. With Joe Root well set at the crease and a decent batting lineup still to come, England will be pleased, though not entirely content. In recent years, England has found itself in similar positions at Lord’s but has only once managed to cross the 400-run mark in the first innings. Against the West Indies in 2024, they slipped from 244-4 to 371 all out, while in 2023 versus Australia, they crumbled from 222-4 to 325. Avoiding such a collapse will be their first priority, but there are other key factors they must execute to gain control over India. Here's a look at three things England must get right to take command on Day 2.

1. England need to score and build a big total

With Joe Root holding one end and Ben Stokes looking far from fluent, England can’t afford a slow crawl if they aim to post a big total. While their more defensive brand of Bazball was effective on Day 1, they now need to accelerate, particularly after surviving the new ball. The presence of in-form Jamie Smith and depth in the lower order give England the resources to reach 400, especially if Root bats deep into the innings. However, Stokes' scratchy form and injury concerns bring pressure on the partnership. If he struggles, Indian bowlers will target him and will try to choke one end and increase the pressure on Root. With a new ball due and a fresh bowling unit, it will only get tougher to score, so it is important that both Root and Stokes are looking to occupy the crease and score quickly to protect the lower order from the new ball.

2. Chris Woakes can make a big impact with both bat and ball

Woakes will play a vital role, especially with the bat against the old ball. His only Test century came at this very venue against India, and his average of 42.50 at Lord’s across eight matches underlines his comfort here. India has a mixed record cleaning up tails, and the slow pitch may only add to their struggle. Woakes’ ability to stick around and add valuable lower-order runs could be the difference between 350 and a more commanding 400. Given that this isn’t likely to be a high-scoring Test, every run will matter. If England does get to bowl on Day 2, they’ll face India during the best batting conditions at Lord’s. Woakes, with his skiddy bowling and ability to exploit the slope, could become the most effective bowler in the side—more so than the express pace of Archer or Carse.

See Also: WATCH: Mohammed Siraj sledges Joe Root with Bazball challenge during ongoing ENG vs IND 3rd Test

3. Learn from what India did wrong while bowling

England has the advantage of having seen how India toiled on Day 1. That gives them the opportunity to make informed decisions when it's their turn to bowl. While Carse has mostly bowled with the new ball in this series, he might have to come in first change now that Archer is back. He must ensure that the pressure created in the initial overs is maintained. Despite an up-and-down series, Carse has looked threatening when in rhythm. The main spotlight will remain on Archer, but Carse’s supporting role could prove just as crucial.

Moreover, England must learn from India’s fielding errors, especially in slip placements—edges haven’t carried well, and the slips need to adjust. They must also plan how best to utilize Shoaib Bashir, who finally has conditions that could suit his bowling. If Stokes cannot contribute with the ball, the off-spinner might play a pivotal role. Having watched India struggle despite quality seamers, England’s bowling plan needs to be both precise and flexible to take full advantage.