At the start of Day 5, England clearly had the momentum to close India's innings and chase down the target. Rishabh Pant was the only X Factor, who could have turned things around, at least that's what every cricket pundits thought. When he got out cheaply, Joe Root thought he would use the banter that happened between Bumrah and Anderson to his team's advantage to wipe off the tail / lower order batsmen. This particular strategy backfired and Bumrah / Shami combination involved in a record 89* runs partnership to take India into lunch with a huge momentum shift.
60 overs to face for England batsmen and 4 fast bowlers from India to run hard and provide the heat, non-stop, at them was a killer strategy from Virat Kohli. Bumrah and Shami were thoroughly warmed up after their partnership with the bat and Kohli threw the new ball to them to continue the same with the ball. England Openers were unsettled with the time of declaration and soon the fate got sealed for them. Joe Root's resistance alone would have helped his team earn a draw, once he got out, it was a formality for Team India.
Key Factors that ensured a win for Team India @ Lords
Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul Opening Partnership :
In foreign conditions, Rohit Sharma has become the lead opener and that's a great sign for Indian cricket. He has stitched partnerships with the likes of Gill, Rahul & Mayank and the numbers speak for themselves. Losing the toss and facing the heat from in-form Jimmy Anderson and Mark Wood clocking 90 mph was a herculean task for the pair, who was 1 test match old. Both the openers deserved a century and a name in the Honor's board. Their partnership was a huge factor for the win.
Mohammad Siraj's breathtaking spell in both innings :
The emergence of Mohammad Siraj is a great story for Indian cricket. The pace at which he matures, he would surely break some records. His spell in both innings was truly the pivotal reason for earning a win @ Lords. Some experts feel, he does not have out swingers in his forte, but then the ball to dismiss Jos Butler in 2nd innings was sheer skill of swing bowling. The length was top notch and in a slow wicket, it moved away with pace.
Banter between Bumrah & Anderson :
Bumrah rubbed the wrong side of Jimmy Anderson with barrage of bouncers at the end of Day 3. It looked like the trailer before the main picture that happened on Day 5. Joe Root was pushed to follow a strategy of bouncers and Yorkers against Bumrah and Shami on day 5, in hindsight, he should have asked his bowlers to bowl normally and clean up the tail. A Key moment in the game, which added to the several factors that ensured a win for Indians.
Pujara and Rahane's not-so-famous 100 run Partnership
Day 4 was weird approach from Indian batsmen, 56 for 3 at Lunch, 49 runs in 2nd session without losing a wicket. Pujara and Rahane helped team India, probably without their knowledge, of batting out time. Crucial runs were added at a slow pace and at the end of Day 4, England's chance of win was higher than expected. If we look back at it now, that not-so-famous partnership pushed the test match to Day 5, which was crucial for this victory.
Virat Kohli's aggressive declaration:
Last, but not the least, King Kohli was spot on with his declaration. The timing of the declaration clearly unsettled the England openers and he wanted Joe Root to step-in as early as possible and Indian bowlers obliged to King Kohli's plans. Virat Kohli's attitude is so positive, there would not be one team member, who would have thought of a Draw in their mind. They all went for the kill and timely declaration was a big factor.
Joe Root, K L Rahul and Rohit Sharma were brilliant with the bat, but my man of the match was Mohammad Siraj, who made a match out of this test, with his spells in both the innings. Everyone contributed from India's team and played their part. Ishant Sharma's wickets played its little part in turning the momentum too.
Is this the greatest Test Victory by Indians in Foreign Conditions ?
No.
Lords victory would always be cherished, but England team is not playing its full strength, as Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad is not part of the playing eleven. What Indian team achieved at Gabba outranks this one for reasons best known.
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