Enhanced security measures have been enforced at Lord’s Cricket Ground for the third Test between England and India, which began on Thursday. The protocols include random spot checks on spectators and the deployment of undercover personnel, following disruptions during the previous Ashes series and concerns about potential protests at this marquee clash.The match is expected to draw the biggest crowd at Lord’s since the 2023 Ashes, with tickets sold out for the first four days and approximately 16,000 already purchased for Day 5.
As part of the tightened security, flags and banners are prohibited, and additional safeguards have been introduced for players in the pavilion. These steps follow incidents of verbal abuse targeted at Australian players during last year’s Ashes Test.
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One of the most alarming breaches came during the second Ashes Test in 2023, when a Just Stop Oil protester ran onto the field and threw orange paint on the pitch. The protester was swiftly removed by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.ROOT STEADIES ENGLANDOn the field, Joe Root’s unbeaten 99 anchored England’s innings on a slow, grinding first day at Lord’s. The hosts ended Thursday on 251 for 4 after opting to bat first.Root walked in with England in trouble at 44 for 2, after India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy made a sensational start by removing both openers—Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley—in his very first over.In a departure from England’s usual ‘Bazball’ approach, Root curbed his aggression and led the resistance with a measured knock in his 156th Test appearance, scoring at a run rate just above three an over.Captain Ben Stokes, who won the toss under sunny skies at Lord’s, was unbeaten on 39 at stumps. He and Root have so far added an unbroken 79-run stand for the fifth wicket, giving England a foothold after early damage.
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