2nd Test: India register a thrilling win at Lord's by 151 runs to go 1-0 up

Team India defeated England by 151 runs in the second Test of the five-match series at Lord’s, to go 1-0 up. The hosts were handed a target of 272 runs. But they failed to get there thanks to some fantastic performances by the Indian bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers, accounting for a four-wicket haul. Jasprit Bumrah was the second most successful bowler, chipping in with three dismissals. Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami recorded two and one wickets respectively.

Skipper Joe Root was the top run-getter for the hosts in the second innings. He made for 33 runs off 60 deliveries in an innings comprising of five boundaries. Jos Buttler was another valuable contributor towards the latter stages. He nearly leading England on to a draw with a patient knock of 25 runs from 96 balls.

The performance of the Team India bowlers can never be understated though. Bumrah and Shami provided the perfect start to the defence of 272 runs.

The former accounted for the dismissal of Rory Burns with the latter sending Dominic Sibley back to the pavilion. With both openers sent back for a duck, the Indian bowlers enjoyed a golden opportunity to make their presence felt.

They utilised the opening to the fullest, dismissing Haseeb Hameed (9) and Jonny Bairstow (2) astutely. This resulted in enhanced pressure on England skipper Joe Root who eventually walked back, having scored 33 runs. Buttler and Ollie Robinson (9) attempted to battle it out fiercely. However, the latter’s dismissal gave the Indian bowlers a glorious edge, which eventually proved enough on the day.

Sensational partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami

While the margin of victory is certainly a massive one, it would never have been possible to post a target of 272 runs if not for a sensational unbeaten partnership for the ninth wicket. Shami (56*) and Bumrah (34*) added 89 runs for the ninth wicket, mixing caution with aggression. The Indian team seemed likely to be bowled out for a much lower total having been reduced to 209/8 at one stage. But the duo played some priceless shots to frustrate the English bowlers who seemed to be on top of the opposition. The partnership was dominant and could have well continued on for some more time. But Kohli opted to declare the second innings on a score of 298-8.

England had earlier been bowled out for 391 in the first innings, after India posted a total of 364 having been sent in to bat by Root.

Team India has now recorded its joint second highest number of Test wins at an ‘away venue’ in Port of Spain/Kingston/ColomboSSC/Lord’s (3). The highest number of wins continues to have been recorded at Melbourne (4). The first win at Lord’s was recorded on 10th June 1986, when India won by five wickets. The second and third triumphs were recorded on 21st July 2014 where the visitors won by 95 runs and today (16th August, 2021).

Kohli has now gone past Clive Lloyd’s 36 wins as captain in 11 fewer Tests. Only Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48) and Steve Waugh (41) are ahead of him in terms of the number of Test wins.