Last Updated on 5 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Ranked: Top 5 players from 2nd England vs India Test | Ranking the top 5 players from ENG vs IND Lord’s Test
Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, was gatecrashed by a superb Indian team. The test was perfectly set up from an Indian perspective with the Day 1 partnership between KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma after being sent in with Kohli (as usual) losing the toss. Rahul again showcased his second-coming as a Test cricketer and has certainly sealed that spot along with Shara for the near future.
But what ensued on the third evening and what followed it was something that surprised fans and the cricketing world. After a barrage of bouncers by Jasprit Bumrah aimed at England’s number 11 James Anderson, there were some words exchanged as the players walked off the field. Much was said on social media about the tactic used by India to a number 11, but hey, it is Test match cricket.
On day four, everyone knew the tempers were high and both teams were on edge from the get-go. England struck early with wickets of Rahul, Sharma and Kohli to leave India reeling at 55/3. Fortunately for India, the under-pressure Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane steadied the ship and put on a vital 100-run partnership before falling to Wood and Ali respectively.
The crucial Rishabh Pant showed little resistance on day five, but the real and unexpected blow to England came via Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. At the end of day four, and after Pant’s dismissal, England looked all set to clean India’s tail quickly. But, Shami and Bumrah had other plans.
As soon as they walked out, something switched for the England bowlers and their bizarre fielding and bowling tactics left a lot to be desired. In the end, Shami went on to score a 50 supported by Bumrah (34*) and India set a target of 272 in 60 overs for England. The stage was set on the last day and Indian bowlers reaped the rewards of putting in the efforts on a slow day five pitch and snapped a victory from what looked like a sure defeat 24 hours earlier.
Top 5 players from 2nd England vs India Test at Lord’s
5. Cheteshwar Pujara/Ajinkya Rahane
Two out-of-form batters who were potentially playing for their spots in the team. Pujara and Rahane certainly showed that class always shines through. That brilliant 100-run stand for the fourth wicket, before Pujara succumbed to an unplayable delivery from Wood, paved the way for India to post a respectable and almost unachievable target on day five. Only time will tell whether this innings will do any good for their confidence in the next few innings, but Indian fans will be mighty pleased with their effort.
4. Mohammed Shami/Jasprit Bumrah
This was definitely the match-changing partnership for India. Coupled with their bowling prowess, Bumrah and Shami did not let the English batters breathe at all, nor did they let the English bowlers breathe with a partnership that included some Pollard-esque shots but also some Pujara-esque defence.
Shami got a 50 – his second in Tests – while Bumrah supported him from the other end with a well-made 34. But it was Bumrah’s slower ball to Robinson that will be etched in the memory of the cricket fans for a long time. Magnificent performances.
3. Mohammed Siraj
India have found a new gem in the fast bowling department. In only his seventh Test match, the fire Siraj showed throughout the Test match and his career to date adds so much quality to the already power-packed bowling lineup.
He can bowl the one that jags back and also the one that just nips away. He grabbed an 8-for in the Test, but most importantly, he was always steaming in no matter what time of the day it was. Siraj has certainly shown the world what he is capable of.
2. Joe Root
The only reason Joe Root isn’t ranked first is due to his captaincy flaws on the fifth day. If it wasn’t for his brilliant batting, England would have lost the Test on day four itself. He paved the way for a perfect day five finish with a sublime 180 in the first innings with some support from Bairstow (57). It was due to that partnership that England ended achieved a lead. Joe Root is in sublime form this year and India need to find a way to get rid of him early.
1. KL Rahul
Carrying on his form from the first Test, Rahul got his name on the Lord’s honours board with a masterful 129 on day one in tough batting conditions. His 126-run partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top gave India a platform and helped them put a respectable total on the board. All Indian fans would be backing KL Rahul to maintain his current run of form in the next three Tests.
Written by Nash Sant. Follow Nash on Twitter today.
