You look forward to it for months, and then in the blink of an eye, it’s over. It’s a little like Christmas when you believe in Father Christmas, I suppose. Still, what a treat! A wonderful win for England, and all done in 2 days and 1 session (excluding rain). India I fear are in desperate need of a bit of Sunil Gavasgar tutoring. Good job he’s coming in for Saurav Ganguly for Channel 5 coverage for the last three tests then!
On the right tube then.
Day 1 was a washout. It doesn’t happen too often, and it’s sad when it does. Absolutely nothing doing. I’m sure the Insurance will pay out for the loss of revenue, but it will probably be reflected in next years’ ticket prices. I stood for about 50 minutes under a tree dodging the rain, watching the likes of John Emburey, and Jonny Bairstow waltz by. To me, as a fan, it’s almost as magical seeing them up close as watching them on the pitch itself.
The good and the great really were out in force, and I even had eye contact with Sachin as he made his way for an interview with Aggers. But when all is said and done, not a ball was bowled and that’s a shame.
Day 2 was also hugely rain affected but to have stuck it out and see India collapse in the final session for 107 would have been a treat.
Day 3 dawned beautiful.
England batted all day. Woakes scored a ton, and Bairstow so nearly put right that 95 we saw him get in 2012 against SA at Lord’s. Alas not this time, falling 7 short of the ton, but playing beautifully.
England had the best of the conditions, but the margins were to prove just too big to be weather-accountable.
Mark Ramprakash and Mooen Ali strolling back from a quick net practice.
I don’t think anyone, including TMS commentators, were sure of quite why England continued to bat into Day 4 with the ball swinging as it was, but it was academic in the end.
India only managed 130 in their second innings and it was just wonderful seeing Jimmy Anderson get his 100th Lord’s wicket.
The celebration. View from the Tavern Stand.
A memorable match and one that shows just how difficult it can be to play swing bowling in England. We all hope Kohli’s back trouble clears up for the third test starting in 6 days at Trent Bridge, as at the moment, he seems to be the only batsman with any spine.
Curran continues to impress. Vaughan thinks he has as much if not more talent as a Batsman, but he was getting huge amounts of ‘seam wobble’ out in the middle. Rashid did not get an over, but he’ll not worry too much, it’s a team game. The question is, presuming this fiasco of a court case out in Bristol is done and dusted by next weekend, who is Ben Stokes coming back in for?