On this day in 2014, India achieved a remarkable victory at Lord's, breaking a 28-year drought since their last win at the iconic venue. This triumph was orchestrated by a blend of underrated performances from Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, complemented by Ishant Sharma's bowling heroics.
Ajinkya Rahane: The Unsung Hero
Ajinkya Rahane, often underappreciated, proved his mettle once again in overseas conditions. His century in the first innings was pivotal, especially considering India's other batsmen struggled. Rahane's 103 runs provided the backbone for India's total, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure and in challenging conditions.
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar: All-Round Excellence
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar's contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental. In the first innings, he scored a crucial 31 runs, surpassing other notable batsmen like Vijay, Pujara, and Kohli, who managed 24, 28, and 25 runs respectively. Kumar's all-round performance continued in the second innings with a significant 52 runs, alongside his impressive 6 wickets in the first innings.
The First Innings: Rahane's Century
In the first innings, India posted 295 runs, thanks largely to Rahane's century. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar's 31 was the next highest score, with other batsmen failing to cross the 30-run mark. England responded with 342 runs, led by Garry Ballance's century, taking a slight lead.
The Second Innings: A Team Effort
India's second innings saw a solid start with Murali Vijay scoring 90+, supported by Jadeja's quickfire 68 and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar's 50. These contributions set a competitive target for England.
Ishant Sharma's Bowling Masterclass
England appeared to be in control at one point, but Ishant Sharma's extraordinary bowling performance changed the game. He claimed 7 wickets in quick succession, dismantling the English batting line-up and securing a memorable win for India.
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar's Vital Role
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar's consistency with the bat and ball throughout the match cannot be overstated. His ability to provide depth in batting and his six-wicket haul in the first innings were crucial to India's victory.
A Victory to Remember
This win was India's first overseas Test victory in 1124 days and marked a win at Lord's after 28 years. Interestingly, India seems to have a special connection with the number 28 at Lord's. In 1986, they won a Test at Lord's three years after their World Cup victory. Similarly, in 2014, they triumphed exactly three years after their 2011 World Cup win.
