India at Lord’s in Tests: Historic beginning, spirited fights

Lord’s, London is widely regarded as the most historic cricket venue. Embued with traditions and protocols, every Test match here is a special occasion. For away players, participating in a Lord’s Test and delivering a memorable performance becomes a career highlight. The added incentive on getting on the Honours Board is always at the back of the mind. Here is how India fared at this venue.

Total Tests played by India at Lord’s – 18

India won – 2 (1986, 2014)

India lost – 12

Drawn games – 4

Highest innings total – 454 (July 1990, Mohammed Azharuddin 121, Ravi Shastri 100*)

Lowest innings total – 42 (June 1974, Chris Old 5/21, Geoff Arnold 4/19)

Highest individual score – 184 by Vinoo Mankad (1952)

Best bowling figures – 7/74 by Ishant Sharma (2014)

Memorable Tests

India’s first-ever Test

India made their Test debut at the hallowed turf. The visitors gave a great fight in the maiden appearance. The Indian pacer reduced England to 19/3. England recovered and India fell short with the bat. The home side then cruised to a 158-run victory.

Mankad’s Test

The BCCI had not considered Vinoo Mankad’s selection in the previous Test. But after India’s heavy loss, they had to bring in the all-rounder. Mankad taught them and England a lesson with his superlative performance. He scored 72 and 184 with the bat and also claimed 5/196. India lost the Test by 8 wickets.

Dawn of a new age

India decided to field two debutants in the Lord’s Test of 1996. One of them scored 131 and the other fell for 95. However, these two middle-order batsmen went on to become cricket legends. These were, of course, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. The match ended in a draw.

A close shave

The Lord’s Test of 2007 had many twists and turns. England crumbled from 218/1 to 298 all out. India could only muster 201 in reply. Then the visitors had to chase 380 runs to win the Test. When they were 9 wickets down on the final day, heavens opened up. The rain rescued India and the Indian side went on to win the Test series.

Ishant’s heroics

Ajinkya Rahane’s century gave India a solid start in the 2014 Lord’s Test. England took a slender lead of 23 runs. Resilient India then set the home side a target of 319 runs. Ishant Sharma then slashed through the batting side with the bowling figures of 7/74. India won by 95 runs.