England played With the no.1 Team India by 196 runs to clinch the historic 2000th Test at Lord’s on Monday, securing a 1-0 lead in the series. Chasing 458 to win, India were skittled out for 261 as England bowlers demolished the strong looking Indian batting line up on the final day.James Anderson who struggled at the favourable home conditions during India’s first innings, ripped apart the visitors’ batting order and claimed his 11th 5-wicket haul (including the fab 3) to gift his side a comprehensive victory in the historic Test.Nothing went right for India right from the start of day 5. Resuming the game, India lost the crucial wicket of Rahul Dravid after addition of 14 runs to the overnight score of 80/1. Anderson struck early to send back Dravid giving India the first blow of the day.The most dependable, VVS Laxman, displayed some fire on Sunday after being promoted up in the order, but the middle order bulwark failed to carry on the momentum and became second victim of Anderson after slamming his fifty.All eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar who displayed great courage by coming to bat after being hit by viral on the fourth day. However, the courage lacked the determination for a match-saving innings.The little master was seen struggling against the English pace trio. Once again it was Anderson who ended Tendulkar’s challenge and shattered his dream for a hundred at the historic ground by trapping him leg before wickets after a knock of 12 runs that came in 68 deliveries.Indian skipper MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina, who was picked over Yuvraj Singh, consolidated the innings in the second session. But before Dhoni could charge up, Chris Tremlett silenced his willow to derail Indian innings.
Raina showed great commitment but didn’t get ample support from his team mates. After a fighting knock of 78, the southpaw became the fifth victim of Anderson. The tailenders were wrapped up by Stuart Broad who had earlier sent back opener Abhinav Mukund on the second last day.
Barring the toss, nothing went in favor of India during the 1o0th Test against England. Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s decision to opt for field was followed by terrific bowling by Zaheer Khan who announced his arrival in the squad with quick wickets of Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss on day 1.
But the speedster sustained hamstring injury soon after the first spell that left the Indian attack depleted. Indian bowling lacked the bite as England’s middle order, especially Kevin Pietersen, pulverized the visitors to pile up 474 runs. Pietersen slammed his career’s 3rd double ton that overshadowed Praveen Kumar’s maiden 5-wicket haul.
In reply, India, despite a solid start, fell 188 runs short of England’s first inning total. Barring Rahul Dravid (103) no other batsman put up a brave effort as Indian innings folded up for just 286.
fourth day as Indian bowlers cast spell in the unfavorable conditions. Praveen Kumar drew the first blood with early dismissal of Cook. And Ishant Sharma capitalised on the breakthrough to tear apart England’s middle order.
However, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad turned the tide in England’s favour with their gritty show and once again put the hosts on top. Prior’s 7th Test hundred, Broad’s fiery 74 helped England set 458 for India.
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