Virat Kohli led India faced off Joe Root’s England in the high voltage encounter in the second Test at Lord’s. Unlike the first Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, here we got a winner. Meanwhile, after the great battle between bat and ball, the match ended with India clinching a victory by the huge margin of 151 runs.
India once again went in the match with the new template of four pacers and a sole spinner in the team. Also, there was no Ravichandran Ashwin seen in the playing XI instead him Ishant Sharma was picked in the team. Moreover, Virat Kohli’s toss losing saga was once again witnessed by fans.
In the first innings, India had an amazing outing with the bat. Especially Indian openers KL Rahul (129) and Rohit Sharma (83) looked brilliant in the starting. Also, the big 3 of the Indian Test unit Kohli (42), Pujara (9), Rahane(1), didn’t perform up to the mark. However somehow India managed to put 364 runs on the board. From England’s bowling unit James Anderson shined as he bagged a 5 wicket haul.
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021: “Lord’s Conquered” – Twitter Erupts As India Beat England At Lord’s
OUT! TEAM INDIA HAS WON WITH 8 OVERS TO SPARE! 🇮🇳
India take 1-0 lead in the series 🙌🏽Tune into Sony Six (ENG), Sony Ten 3 (HIN), Sony Ten 4 (TAM, TEL) & SonyLIV (https://t.co/AwcwLCPFGm ) now! 📺#ENGvINDOnlyOnSonyTen #ENGvIND #Siraj pic.twitter.com/XDathfvy6G
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 16, 2021
Meanwhile, in England’s first innings Joe Root showed the masterclass as he smashed an unbeaten 180 runs. Also with the help of his innings, England scored 391 and got 27 runs lead. Other than Root, Jonny Bairstow (57) and Rory Burns (49) scored good runs.
In the second innings opening duo of the team, India failed and Captain Virat Kohli had a poor show. Although Rahane (61) Pujara (45) had a good outing. Also, Mohammed Shami (56) and Jasprit Bumrah (34)had a remarkable 89 runs partnership which helped India post the target of 272.
While batting in the second innings England had a poor start and they were reduced at 67-5. Every member of the Indian pace battery which consisted of Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, and Ishant got at least one wicket each. Also with the amazing efforts of pace battery, India defeated mighty England at Lord’s by 151 runs. As they bowled out England at the score of 120.
Even over five days, the little things are often crucial. Kohli's drop off Buttler and Jadeja's no-ball could well be.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 16, 2021
Here is what Indian Captain Virat Kohli, England captain Joe Root and KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation:
Joe Root: Unfortunately we couldn’t quite manage to see out today which is very frustrating. But there’s still a lot of cricket to be played in the series. We went from a very strong position where we looked like we would win the game to losing. More than anything, just got a few things wrong. That partnership, they did pretty well. But lots of things I’d do differently if given an opportunity. His attitude (wood), the way he goes about things.. Mo’s come back well.
There are things we can take from this game. We’re used to playing five-match series. Important not to panic and stay calm. So good to have the crowds back to sporting arenas in general.
Virat Kohli: Super proud of the whole team. The way we stuck to our plans after being put in. The pitch didn’t offer much in the first three days. First day was the most challenging. The way we played in the second innings after being put under pressure – Jasprit and Shami were outstanding. We had the belief we can get them out in 60 overs. The tension in the field in our second innings, what happened there, helped us.
Putting their hand up was something we were really proud of and we wanted to let them know (ovation for Bumrah-Shami). Batting coach has worked really hard with the boys. They have the desire in them to do well for the team. We know how priceless those runs are. Have been a part of the winning Test last time under MS. That was pretty special. But this one, to get a result in 60 overs is quite special. And especially with someone like Siraj playing for the first time at Lord’s and he bowled superbly. We decided 60 is our mark.
Crucial breakthroughs with the new ball was the right start for us. Very happy with the support we got, especially when we’re playing away from home these things are very important. It comes a day later (after Independence Day) but it’s the best gift we can give. We’re not going to sit on our laurels after this match. Today that one was purely gut feel. I get many wrong, but if you don’t take a chance you never know.
KL Rahul: “I’ve been looking at it very morning to see if they’ve put it up permanently. Really happy that hundred could set up a victory for India. Put into bat we had to go out and give the team a good start and put up a total, the opening partnership was really crucial. We’ve been here for a couple of months, been working hard on our skills.
For his classy century in the first innings, KL Rahul is adjudged the Player of the Match 👏#WTC23 | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/8kLJnTCU6h
— ICC (@ICC) August 16, 2021
At Trent Bridge we showed discipline, really pleased and happy we could go out and put up a performance like that. With two competitive teams you’re going to see a lot o heart and great skills and some words. We don’t mind a bit of banter, but if you go after one of our guys all eleven will come right back. That got us going, and the bowlers were really pumped to go out and have a crack. Really happy with the performance.”
