Former India captain Anil Kumble spoke on how the recent Lord’s Test between England and India was a shining example of why Test cricket remains so compelling. This is despite India losing to England by 22 runs in a thrilling final day encounter.
Kumble emphasized the caliber of cricket played thus far, with England already leading the five-match series 2-1. Following a five-wicket loss in the series opener in Leeds, India had recovered well in the second Test.
"This is a great advertisement for Test cricket. All three Tests have gone down to the wire, and both teams have fought brilliantly. Yes, the scoreline says 2-1 to England, but if you look at session-wise performances, it’s been even. India should feel confident heading into the next two Tests. They've already bounced back from a loss in the first Test.
This match came down to fine margins—like Pant’s run-out before lunch, the extras, and perhaps letting Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse score freely. Those key moments—India will need to grab them in the next game if they want to level the series," Kumble said on JioHotStar.
In terms of runs, India's loss at Lord's is currently their fourth-closest defeat in Test cricket. Kumble reminisced about a similar sadness when playing in 1999, when India lost to Pakistan by 12 runs in Chennai.
Similar to Javagal Srinath's dismissal in that 1999 Test, when he was bowled by Pakistani off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, Siraj was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir on the last day at Lord's. Despite Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant century, India lost to Pakistan by 12 runs in Chennai.
"I was just reminded of one Test match where India lost by 12 runs against Pakistan in Chennai. It was a similar kind of dismissal. Just 22 runs. Jadeja was left stranded. I mean, he planned to get India this close to winning. But England just stuck to their task. I guess the previous over from Jofra Archer certainly rattled Siraj.
It’s not like he was looking to take the bowler on, but the silly point coming in added pressure. Thought that was a great chance to pull off a historic win. But that’s what it should be for India—despite losing by 22 runs, there are a lot of positives," he added.
The fourth Test between England and India will be played in Manchester from July 23 onwards.
