London: Team India scripted yet another momentous victory on foreign soil, defeating England by 151 runs in the thrilling second Test at Lord’s on Monday.
And once again, it was India’s battery of fast bowlers who rose to the occasion – not just by making the ball talk but, more importantly, with the bat as well.
After Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah shared an incredible unconquered ninth-wicket stand of 89 runs, the duo along with Mohammad Siraj (4/32) and Ishant Sharma (3/33) ripped the England batting line-up with a great exhibition of fast bowling.
Down in the dumps at 181/6 at the end of Day 4, India plunged into deeper trouble early on the final day as they lost big hope Rishabh Pant and Ishant. At that stage, India were 209/8 – leading by just 182 runs with more than 80 overs left in the day.
Fighting to save the match, India found two unlikely batting heroes in Shami and Bumrah. The pace attack spearheads had some anxious moments and close calls but hung around to ultimately turn the game on its head.
Shami (56 not out) hit only his second Test half century and Bumrah (34 not out) registered a career-best score to not only frustrate English bowlers but give India a chance to push for an unlikely victory.
Virat Kohli declared India’s second innings closed at 298/8, setting England a victory target of 272 runs in a maximum of 60 overs.
Bumrah and Shami struck in their respective over overs, sending openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley back.
Ishant dismissed Haseeb Hamid and Jonny Bairstow, before Bumrah got the prized scalp of captain Joe Root immediately after tea.
Next it was Siraj who got into the act by dismissing left-handers Moeen Ali and Sam Curran off successive balls.
Bumrah trapped Ollie Robinson to break a stubborn stand with Jos Buttler, before Siraj cleaned up the last two wickets to seal a memorable win.
Scores: India 364 & 298/8 declared. England 391 & 120.
