Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes India’s top-order batting faltered at crucial moments, leading to their narrow 22-run defeat against England in the Lord’s Test.
Shastri Points to Top-Order Struggles
India’s pursuit of a 193-run target on the final day fell short, with the batting lineup, particularly the top order, coming under scrutiny. Apart from KL Rahul’s first-innings century, many struggled to convert starts into big scores.
Shastri highlighted the fourth-day collapse as a major factor. He specifically mentioned Karun Nair’s dismissal for a “nothing ball,” which he felt opened the door for England at a critical juncture.
He noted the resilience shown by lower-order batsmen like Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj, who brought India agonizingly close to the target. Their solid defense on a tricky last-day wicket showcased what the top order lacked.
The Crucial Rishabh Pant Run-Out
Another pivotal moment, according to Shastri, occurred in India’s first innings. Rishabh Pant was brilliantly run out by Ben Stokes just before lunch on day three, when India was well-placed at 249 for 3.
This dismissal prevented India from securing a significant first-innings lead. Shastri described Stokes’s presence of mind as “outstanding,” turning the tide when India seemed to be in control.
Echoes of 2021 at Lord’s
Shastri drew a striking comparison between this match and the 2021 Lord’s Test between the same two teams. In that game, India batted first and secured a 151-run victory after a similar see-saw battle and collapses.
He observed that the scorelines were very similar, with both sides scoring around 300 in their first innings. This time, however, England managed to seize the key moments and emerge victorious.
Praise for England’s Resilience
Despite India’s missed opportunities, Shastri commended England’s fighting spirit. He acknowledged their ability to capitalize on openings and their “seize the moment” mentality when the game got tough.
He concluded that had India lost fewer wickets on the previous day, they would likely have chased down the target. The series remains fascinating, with Shastri suggesting India could have been 3-0 up with a bit more luck, setting up an exciting finish.
- India’s top-order batting on Day 4 was a key factor in their Lord’s Test defeat.
- Rishabh Pant’s first-innings run-out was identified as a major turning point.
- Lower-order resistance showed what was possible on the difficult pitch.
- The match had surprising parallels to the 2021 Lord’s Test between the two sides.
- England’s ability to seize crucial moments was praised by Shastri.
With two Tests remaining, the series promises more thrilling cricket as India looks to bounce back and keep their hopes alive for an Oval thriller.
