India ended their 28-year quest for a Test victory at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2014, defeating England by 95 runs in the second Test of the five-match series.
At the Home of Cricket, England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and decided to field first. In the first innings, India was 145/7 and facing defeat. However, Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar demonstrated remarkable tenacity and resolve in forming a 90-run partnership for the eighth wicket. The former scored a century in just 154 balls, including 15 fours and one six. Bhuvneshwar, on the other hand, contributed a critical 36. Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma also made significant contributions, helping the tourists finish on 295.
In their first innings, England were boosted by Gary Ballance’s century and Liam Plunkett’s unbeaten fifty, taking the Three Lions to 319. The home side built a 23-run lead. Bhuvneshwar scored a six-for.
Murali Vijay demonstrated remarkable tenacity by scoring 95 runs off 247 deliveries. Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar also scored counter-attacking half-centuries as India concluded on 342.
In the fourth innings, England faced a 319-run target. Cook and Ballance made promising starts, but they were unable to capitalise. Joe Root scored a patient 66, and Moeen Ali helped with a 147-ball 39. However, England’s batters were unable to manage Ishant’s scorching spell. The Delhi quick tortured his opponents by bowling short on the uneven surface. He concluded with 7/74 as England were wiped out for 223. Ishant’s exploits earned him the Player of the Match award, and India won their first Test match at the stadium since 1986.
Following the tie in the first Test, India grabbed a 1-0 lead in the series. However, England won the next three Tests convincingly to win the series.
India
