For the second time this year, Team India scripted history by conquering the home of cricket Lord’s despite almost near-impossible circumstances. After a spectacular rescue-mission carried by the Indian tail who took the game to England head-on with Mohammad Shami scoring an unbeaten half-century, India declared just after lunch. The fact that they went on to win the Test match even from that point and with a race against time simply highlights the brilliance of the unit.
With a spectacular four-wicket haul on the final day, Mohammed Siraj was the pick among the bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah also made a massive difference and got rid of England captain Joe Root who had been in impressive form.
Tensions between the two sides had been flaring since the last few days. There was obviously the Jimmy Anderson vs Bumrah saga on Day 4. Virat Kohli was also seen squabbling with several England players and Mohammed Siraj wasn’t one to hide his emotions after getting rid of the batsmen.
Speaking to the press after winning the Player of the Match award for his wonderful century in the first innings, KL Rahul said that if the hosts pick on one of the Indians, the entire team would come together to haunt them. Although he agrees that tension is a part of the game, he drew the line at banter.
“That’s what you expect with two competitive teams, you know, you are always going to see great skills, a lot of heart and a few words as well. That only shows how much both team wants to win. We don’t mind a little bit of banter. And, you go after one of our guys, all 11 of us will come right back at them,” the opening batsman said.
Veteran pacer Jimmy Anderson had exchanged words with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah after a fiery spell from the latter saw him struggling. The entire English unit, wanted to avenge it by going after Bumrah and Shami while they were batting. That move was where England lost their heads and Shami and Bumrah stitched a ninth wicket partnership of 89 not out to take the fight back to the hosts. KL Rahul added that the events on the field provided more impetus to the Indian bowlers to talk with the bat.
“That just got us going and the bowlers were really pumped and wanted to go out there and have a real crack at them. Really happy with the performance they have put in this game,” added KL Rahul.
