India recorded a rare victory at Lord’s after they beat hosts England by a massive 151 runs on the final day of the second Test at Lord’s on Monday. Owing to this win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. While the Indian first innings saw batsman KL Rahul hit a magnificent ton, the second innings saw the tail-enders rise up to the occasion. An unbeaten 89-run partnership between Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah did the trick for the visitors as they gave England a target of 272 runs.
Elated with the victory, Virat Kohli said: “Super proud of the whole team.”
Virat Kohli became the only third Indian captain to record a victory at the iconic Lord’s and said that it was ‘belief’ that got them over the victory line.
“The way we played in the second innings after being put under pressure – Jasprit and Shami were outstanding. We had the belief we can get them out in 60 overs. The tension in the field in our second innings, what happened there, helped us,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
Talking about the partnership between Shami and Bumrah, Kohli said: “Putting their hand up was something we were really proud of and we wanted to let them know (ovation for Bumrah-Shami). Batting coach has worked really hard with the boys. They have the desire in them to do well for the team. We know how priceless those runs are.”
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The only two times India won at the Lord’s were in 1986 under Kapil Dev and 2014 under MS Dhoni. And with victory is special Kohli said.
“Have been a part of the winning Test last time under MS. That was pretty special. But this one, to get a result in 60 overs is quite special. And especially with someone like Siraj playing for the first time at Lord’s and he bowled superbly. We decided 60 is our mark. Crucial breakthroughs with the new ball was the right start for us,” Kohli said.
He said that since this victory has come a day after India’s Independence Day and “it’s the best gift we can give”.
Third India vs England Test match will start on August 25 at Headingley, Leeds.