The entire cricketing fraternity has been saluting Team India for the resilience and grit it demonstrated in defeating England in their second test at Lord’s on Monday.
It looked impossible at one stage, but a torrent of wickets made sure India did the unexpected and came out on top. England, set 272 to win on the fifth and final day of the match, was dismissed for just 120. Hyderabad lad Mohammed Siraj’s 4-32 was vital for what was only the country’s third win in their 19 Tests at the ‘home of cricket’. Former players have described the victory as ‘one of the greatest in the history of Indian cricket’.
Erstwhile India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar points out that the team’s bowling changes have paid off. “The bowlers bowled according to plan and executed their strategies well. I think Virat needs to be applauded for some of the bowling changes he made to get the breakthrough,” he said, adding, “The whole country is proud of the way the players gave it their everything.”
“Being outplayed on four days and coming back strongly on the 4th and 5th day — how many teams have done that in history!” points out Pragyan Ojha. “India weren’t favourites on the first three days, but there was a huge turnaround on the 4th day. After Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara led the fightback, Bumrah and Shami too started showing a lot of grit and character. The tail wagged and it frustrated England,” says the former left-arm spinner.
According to him, England miscalculated a few times while trying to restrict India. “They slightly diverted their focus — they attacked just a wee bit more, but our bowlers had the last laugh,” he says.
Former India wicket keeper and chief selector MSK Prasad says it was an excellent contest between bat and ball. Describing India as ‘Lord of the Lords’, he says the country has been dominating throughout the series.
“The difference between this side and the one that went to England in 2018 was that back then there was a lot of contribution from the batsmen. This time too, batsmen are doing their best at the individual level. But in the last four years or so, it’s the bowlers who have been redefining our brand of cricket,” he feels.
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman tweeted that the win would be remembered for a long time. He said he was particularly impressed with the pace attack. “What an incredible day of Test Match Cricket and one to remember for a long time for every Indian Fan. Bumrah and Shami fighting with the bat early in the day, and pace attack of Siraj, Ishant, Bumrah, Shami giving it their all and India registering a sensational win #LordsTest,” he wrote.
Former cricketers from other countries too have hailed Virat Kohli and his men for their fantastic cricketing display. Players like Shane Warne, Michael Vaughan and Stuart Broad have lauded India’s performance.
