In the recently done and dusted Ind VS Eng Test 2, India beat England by 151 runs and has taken a 1-0 series lead thanks to Bumrah and Shami’s Heroics.
If one would go back in time and tell an Indian cricket team fan of 10 years back that at Lord’s India’s tail would fight against the English pace attack. And that pacers would take 20 wickets to eventually help Indian team grab the game, it would’ve sounded an anomaly.
But that’s the new Indian team – an incomprehensible anomaly that can conquer Gabba and Lord’s in the same year.
Details
The 2nd Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s stadium had all the necessary ingredients for a memorable Test match. From pacers taking slew of wickets across multiple innings, to a tail that batted against a lethal bowling attack, to sledging between both sides, to a complete turn around – it had it all.
Day 5: Collapse Looks Inevitable
The 5th day of the Test began with India reeling at 181/6 and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant in the middle. Indian fans hoped that the tail stays for as long as it can and survives as much in the day to extend the lead and take the game to a comfortable draw. However, Pant was dismissed within 15 minutes of the game’s play and a collapse looked inevitable.
Ishant Sharma too added 16 runs and took the lead to a 182 before he was dismissed. With just 2 wickets in hand and 209 on board, Indian team was crossing its fingers for a 200+ lead. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammaed Shami had different plans.
Shami – Bumrah Frustrates English Bowlers
The Indian tail frustrated the English pace attack to its core, as it played several boundaries and for the most part, hung around and played defensively. To get them out, England bowlers seemed to have lost the plot and eventually started bowling more lose deliveries, helping the duo play with more comfort.
By the end of the session, Shami had moved past his half-century and England bowlers looked to be lost and dumbfounded. Soon, India declared its inning at 298/8 with Bumrah at 34, Shami at 56.
England Needs 272, India Gets Dreamy Start
With a target of 272, all England needed was its batsmen to not go on attack and form partnerships to come closer to target. However, the heroes of the first session Bumrah and Shami rattled England batsmen in the first over itself to send opening duo of Burns and Sibley for 0.
Joe Root looked dangerous, stealing boundaries, staying defensive, playing a captain’s inning. But he wasn’t getting the support he needed on the other side as Ishant Sharma dismissed Haseeb Hameed for 9.
Bumrah Gets Back in Form, Takes out Danger Man
Skipper Root tried to stay on the crease for as long as he can and Jonny Bairstow tried stitching a partnership, but the latter was pinned by Ishant and by lunch, England were reeling at 67/4. In the next over the danger man Root was dismissed by Bumrah. Root tried playing the savior of his team but was dismissed at 33 of 60.
Then came a 16-over partnership between Moeen Ali and Jos Butler. Much akin to Shami-Bumrah partnership, it frustrated the Indian bowlers. But Mohammed Siraj again played a hero and Moeen was dismissed at 13 off 42. In the very next delivery, Curran was dismissed by Siraj for 0 and the entire nation was triumphant. The distance between the victory was just 3 wickets.
The Final Test, The Iconic Victory
However, Jos Buttler and Ollie Robinson showed a 13-year-resistance and tested the patience and skills of Indian attack. Bumrah finally trapped Robinson. In the very next over, Siraj again got a King’s pair as he dismissed Buttler and Anderson.
Team India had registered an incredible turn around and Mohammed Siraj was the hero of the game with 4 wickets to his name and a half-century.
