[WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Flying ants lead to interruption of play at Lord's on Day 1

The live action on Day 1 of the third Test between England and India at the Lord's in London saw a brief stoppage of play due to a very unusual interruption. During the 81st over of the match, the umpires looked around and called for a stoppage of play, as a bunch of flying ants made their way over the playing field at the iconic venue in London.

While it was a momentary thing, and the play resumed soon after, one of the flying ants also disturbed the England captain, Ben Stokes' as he took his stance to face the fifth delivery of the over. The ant probably struck Stokes' ears entering through the helmet grill, but a shake of the head meant that it flew away and there was no further hesitation for the play to resume, as Akash Deep completed the over.

Only two more overs were bowled further in the day, as the umpires called for Stumps after just 83 overs were completed. England returned to the dressing room with 251 for the loss of four wickets. Alongside Stokes is seasoned batter Joe Root, who will resume the play on Day 2, just one short of what could be his 34th hundred in Test cricket. This will also be his 11th three-figure score against India, an opposition against whom he has already gone past the 3000-run mark.

For India, Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a surprise spell with the new ball. In his first over, he sent both the openers back to the pavilion, as the England faced early trouble into the contest. Later, a century stand between Ollie Pope and Root steadied the ship, before the younger one fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja's arm ball. Harry Brook also did not last longer, as a pearler from Jasprit Bumrah, saw him take the long walk back.

While England could not put up the Bazball style of play on display on the opening day, Indians too failed to capitalize on the pressure their bowlers created. Both the sides will be looking to gain advantage on a wicket that kept quite low on the first day, with Day 2 promising to display a good contest between bat and ball.