Team India on Monday (August 16) registered an emphatic 151-run victory over England in the second Test at Lord’s to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.
Riding on pace bowlers Mohammad Shami (56*) and Jasprit Bumrah’s (34*) unbeaten 89-run stand for the ninth wicket, India posted 298/8 (declared) in their second innings, setting a target of 272 for the hosts.
Joe Root and company had to bat only two sessions to defend the Test match but they failed to do so as India’s pace-quartet demolished the English batting line-up, bundling them out for 120 in 51.5 overs.
Speaking after the game, India skipper Virat Kohli said his team had the belief to bowl England out in 60 overs.
“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,” quoted Kohli at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Defending the total, Mohammed Siraj (4-32) and Bumrah (3-33) did the bulk of the damage with the ball while Ishant Sharma (2-13) and Shami (1-13) chipped in with three scalps between them.
“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,” Kohli added.
The Indian captain doesn’t want his troops to be complacent and sit on the laurels of this famous victory.
“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,” he concluded.
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
