The Lord's cricket authorities have stepped up security at the stadium during the third Test between England and India. The venue is set to welcome a massive crowd for the blockbuster clash, and the authorities are taking all measures to prevent any unpleasant activities amidst concerns about potential protests.

The protocols include random spot checks on spectators and deployment of undercover personnel. For the unversed, Australian players were hurled with verbal abuses during the Ashes 2023 Test at Lord's. One of the biggest breaches came when a Just Oil Protester ran onto the ground and threw orange paint on the pitch.

The authorities have banned flags and posters as part of the tightened security, and additional safeguards have been introduced for players in the pavilion.

Joe Root Puts England On Top

Meanwhile, Root stayed unbeaten on 99 to put England on top at stumps on Day 1. England won the toss and opted to bat. The conditions were not easy, and the ball swung around, forcing England to change their approach. The hosts avoided bazball and played conventional cricket, for which they were rewarded as they only lost two wickets in the first two sessions. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell cheaply to Nitish Reddy in the same over before Joe Root and Ollie Pope took the hosts to a comfortable position.

Pope was dismissed for 44 by Ravindra Jadeja before Jasprit Bumrah removed centurion from the last match, Harry Brook. Joe Root and Ben Stokes (39*) added an unbeaten 79 runs for the fifth wicket and ensured that the hosts took the honours on Day 1.

The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy has been fiercely fought so far, with both teams winning a game each.