Tempers flared and tension crackled through the air at Lord’s on day one of the third Test as India’s Mohammed Siraj added spice to an already gripping battle by openly mocking England’s ‘Bazball’ approach during a tight passage of play after lunch. With England struggling to score freely against some relentless Indian bowling, Siraj decided to let his voice be heard, directing some well-timed taunts at none other than Joe Root.

The moment came in the 31st over of England’s innings. Root was trying to break free from a stranglehold applied by Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj, who had dried up the scoring entirely. England had gone 28 consecutive deliveries without a run, with the Indian bowlers hitting the right lengths and the fielders backing them up with sharp placements. The Bazball mantra, aggressive, fearless cricket, seemed far away from what was unfolding.

Under pressure and eager to rotate the strike, Root attempted a shot off Siraj, only to be beaten by the extra bounce. The ball whistled past his bat’s edge, and Siraj, never one to miss an opportunity to chirp, took the moment to needle the former England captain.