India in commanding position despite England fightback

Aug 13, 2021

India in commanding position despite England fightback Image

The second day of the Lord’s Test witnessed a see-saw battle as England put up some sort of resistance following a disappointing outing on Day 1. James Anderson & co. first bowled India out for 364 – after India resumed on 276/3. Then followed a rescue act by Rory Burns (49) and Joe Root (48 not out). They bailed out England from 23/2, and the hosts finished the day on 119/3, still trailing India by 245 runs.

The England pacers used the morning overcast conditions to their advantage. K.L. Rahul fell to the second hall of the day, from Ollie Robinson, while Anderson claimed the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane in the next over.

Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja scored 37 and 40 respectively, but the long tail failed to wag as India were all out shortly after lunch.

England were able to take the last seven Indian wickets for just 86 runs. With 5-62, his 31st five-wicket haul, Anderson was the pick of the bowlers, while Mark Wood and Robinson got two wickets apiece.

In response, the under-fire English opening pair survived until the 15th over. However, immediately after tea, Mohammed Siraj (2-34) got Dom Sibley and comeback man Haseeb Hameed with successive deliveries.

After tea, India bowled on the stumps with a short mid wicket. Sibley immediately chipped a length ball to the fielder. Hameed played down the wrong line to a straight half volley and was castled.

From there, Burns and Root studied the ship with a third-wicket stand of 85. However, towards the fag end of the day Mohammed Shami trapped Burns leg-before for 49 to put India ahead in the game.

Brief scores: India 364 (K.L. Rahul 129; James Anderson 5-62) lead England 118/3 (Rory Burns 49; Mohammed Siraj 2-34) by 246 runs.