England vs India 2nd Test, Day 1 as it happened: Rahul’s ton headlines dominant day for visitors
Highlights of day one of the second Test between India and England at Lord’s.
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Kohli’s wicket keeps England in the game after super opening partnership. Rahul sterling performer still there but India will need good contributions from Rahane & Pant to get 450+. Second new ball still fresh, first hour tomorrow crucial for both teams
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 12, 2021
😆 #ENGvsIND https://t.co/hxLeZB1ZHH pic.twitter.com/W7bumEjHvk
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 12, 2021
Scaling heights there @klrahul11 . Well played in tough conditions ❤️👍🏽
— DK (@DineshKarthik) August 12, 2021
Many more buddy #ENGvsIND
KL Rahul faced 450 balls in the 2018 England series. He's already faced 500 in this one and he's not finished his third knock.
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) August 12, 2021
275-3 represents a really good day for India after being stuck in under grey skies. Hats off, especially, to Sharma and Rahul, with a bit of help from Kohli. England at times felt like a two-man attack. A long way back from here.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
STUMPS
India are 276/3. Rahul batted through the day and remains not-out on 127 off 248 (with Rahane on 1 off 13). A massive effort from a high class player. Anderson bowled a fine spell for England but the day well and truly belonged to India.
IND 275/3 after 89 overs: Robinson tested Rahane with a couple of wonderful deliveries in that over but the India vice-captain survives. Some words from the right-arm pacer too. Last six balls of the day coming up.
Patient, determined - proper Test match knock @klrahul11 💯 on the honours board @HomeOfCricket #ENGvsIND
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) August 12, 2021
IND 273/3 after 87 overs: Rahane survives! He tried to work it to the leg side but was struck in front by Robinson. Root went for the review and it went India’s way. Nervous times for Rahane.
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
Once again, it's that corridor outside off stump that gets Virat Kohli.
📹: Sony Sportspic.twitter.com/ydlRvsceVc
IND 273/3 after 86 overs: Shot! There’s no stopping Rahul at the moment. He walks out to Anderson and plays another gorgeous cover-drive for four. Rahane is the new batsman. He, too, needs runs under his belt to get some confidence.
IND 267/3 after 84.4 overs: WICKET! England with a massive blow as Virat Kohli is dismissed for 42 off 103. Ollie Robinson got the outside edge and Joe Root made no mistake at first slip. Just what the hosts needed with stumps approaching.
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
A standing ovation for KL Rahul from his teammates at the Lord's balcony 👏👏
📹: Home Of Cricketpic.twitter.com/sNpK7B6yaz
IND 266/2 after 84 overs: Uff, what a shot! Anderson drops it slightly short and Rahul plays a classy back foot punch for four. Anderson then comes back well to end the over by taking Kohli’s outside edge. Luckily for the India captain, the ball fell just short of third slip.
India's opening partnership surviving 20+ overs in Tests outside Asia
— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) August 12, 2021
Jan 2011 - Dec 2020: No instances
Since Jan 2021: Five times in nine innings#ENGvIND
Rahul.. naam to suna hee hoga @ECB_cricket 😉 #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/V0awdQkizb
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 12, 2021
100 at the Mecca of cricket! Well played baba 🖤 @klrahul11 pic.twitter.com/jID3GKTm7y
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) August 12, 2021
Missed out on a hundred in the first test , but this has been an innings of the highest class from #KLRahul.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 12, 2021
A magnificent century at #Lords , hoping he converts this into a really big one. pic.twitter.com/ZFdW87vDhp
A century to be proud of for #KLRahul. Loved the innings progression graphic we had showing how patient he was. First 20 took 105 balls and thereafter, he owned the crease
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 12, 2021
IND 260/2 after 82 overs: Rahul mistimes a pull but it lands safely. That was a tired-looking shot. Meanwhile, Kohli defended well against Anderson in that over. We’re 15 minutes away from stumps.
KL Rahul has played an innings to cherish. Remember the drives and cuts. Also remember the times when it would have been so tempting to drive and cut... when he didn't. The hard bits. The best bits.
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) August 12, 2021
IND 258/2 after 81 overs: Shot! Robinson starts with the second new ball and Rahul plays another sumptuous drive through extra-cover for four. Anderson vs Kohli should be fascinating now.
Wow test match 💯 at #lords!! Winning hearts ♥️♥️ @klrahul11
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 12, 2021
When Rohit sharma got out on 83, Kl Rahul was batting on 33(118). It takes great skill to bat second fiddle,not get tempted and then turn it on to get a hundred. Fine innings,well deserved of the honours board! #INDvENG #KLRahul
— Abhinav mukund (@mukundabhinav) August 12, 2021
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
A century out of the top drawer! Take a bow, KL Rahul 🔥
📹: Sony Sportspic.twitter.com/86vRVE3Q9F
IND 250/2 after 79.2 overs: The 100-run partnership between Rahul and Kohli comes up! Both right-handers have paced their innings to perfection. England are five deliveries away from the second new ball.
A class apart! #KLRahul. Outstanding 💯@HomeOfCricket. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well played. @BCCI #ENGvIND
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) August 12, 2021
Missed century in first Test, gets one in second, @klrahul11 has made the an opener’s spot his own. Of course he’s had some luck with Gill and Agarwal getting injured. But with grit, ambition and runs, has shown why he’s the best man to partner Rohit
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 12, 2021
Most 100s by Indian openers outside Asia:
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) August 12, 2021
15 Sunil Gavaskar (81 inns)
4 Virender Sehwag (59 inns)
4 KL Rahul (28 inns)#ENGvIND #INDvENG
Superb innings from KL Rahul. 21% leaves is the highest percentage he's recorded in any of his six Test tons, and the balls taken to reach the landmark (212) is the second most. Patience and a willingness to soak up pressure has defined the knock. #ENGvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
His name on that honours board with a knock for the ages! He has worked so hard to get back in the side. So happy to see him do well in test cricket.
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 12, 2021
PS: Look how closely he has watched the ball👀 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/sBACN5eQI6
Rohit Sharma paved the way, but KL Rahul has followed him superbly - and now passed him all the way to a hundred. India 246-2 and in control.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
Rohit & KL Rahul have utilized their practice time in the UK impressively. Last time I saw Rahul play test cricket was in the Caribbean 2019. He looked uncertain & rushed then. Now, very rarely have I seen an Asian opener play as late with such assurance in English conditions👍
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) August 12, 2021
#ENGvIND
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 12, 2021
Third Indian opener to score a Test century at Lord's. Played KL Rahul. That is a terrific innings!
Last five Test centuries by Indian openers 'away' from home since 2016...
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 12, 2021
3* - KL Rahul (all away from Asia)
2 - Shikhar Dhawan (both in Sri Lanka)#EngvInd#EngvsInd#IndvEng https://t.co/8i903wXXxS
KL Rahul is only the second Indian opener to score a century on the first day of a Test outside Asia after the opposition put India in to bat first.
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) August 12, 2021
The only other Indian opener to do so is Navjot Singh Sidhu (116 v West Indies at Kingston in 1989).#ENGvIND #INDvENG
The KL Rahul knock is going to make it hard for Pujara and Rahane to justify their places beyond this series unless they score big very quickly. With Gill, Vihari, Mayank, Shreyas, Shaw and SKY waiting in the wings, it’s almost unfair to hold them back too much longer.
— Rahul Fernandes (@newspaperwallah) August 12, 2021
Kamaal Hai Lajawaab Hai….Lord’s Honours Board par naam hai 🥳🥳🤗 #EngvInd #Rahul
— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) August 12, 2021
Not surprising that a Rahul dominates in tests in England.
— Clive (@_vanillawallah) August 12, 2021
CENURY FOR KL RAHUL!
The right-hander gets his 6th Test hundred with a phenomenal knock. He has shown his immense class once again and gets a standing ovation at Lord’s. It took him 212 balls to get there. Virat Kohli looks a happy man.
IND 241/2 after 77 overs: Kohli gets lucky! Moeen got one to keep low and it took Kohli’s inside-edge before running through Buttler’s legs for four. But the focus is on Rahul now, he’s batting on 98.
UPDATE: The highest ever score by an Indian opener at a Lord’s Test match in the first innings out of four is now by KL Rahul, going past the mark set by Rohit Sharma earlier.
IND 227/2 after 74 overs: Mark Wood returns to the attack for another spell. The Indian batsmen look comfortable at the crease. Rahul is on 92 with Kohli on 29. England would be counting down deliveries to the second new ball.
Proper test innings from KL Rahul… so good… simplicity itself. Great technique & patience against the moving ball. Superb.
— Charles Dagnall (@CharlesDagnall) August 12, 2021
That’s really C̵h̵e̵e̵k̵u̵ Cheeky 😅
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) August 12, 2021
The wristwork appears to be back for Kohli. Ominous signs
— Tareque Laskar (@tarequelaskar) August 12, 2021
IND 223/2 after 71 overs: Shot! It was tossed up by Moeen and Kohli used his bottom hand to great effect to drive the ball down the ground for four.
Batting records since October 1, 2019 (when Rohit Sharma started opening the batting in Tests) pic.twitter.com/d5FoJYeYPd
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) August 12, 2021
IND 214/2 after 69 overs: Moeen Ali returns to the attack and concedes three singles in his eighth over. This is turning into another important partnership for India. Anderson should be back in the attack soon. England are 11 overs away from the second new ball.
Sometimes in cricket, the numbers can lie. Think Sammy Curran has bowled some Jaffas today, swung the ball, plays and misses. No luck. Can happen with bowling. He will get a hat full of wickets soon 🏴🏏
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 12, 2021
Oops, should I have batted.....#JoeRoot
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 12, 2021
IND 211/2 after 68 overs: After 48 balls, Virat Kohli has his first boundary. A big stride out and a wonderful cover-drive for four. This partnership has now added 61 runs off 108 deliveries.
Kohli battling to find rhythm and best form. From his own and India’s point of view, what’s important is he’s still there
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 12, 2021
IND 203/2 after 65 overs: Just a single for Rahul in that Curran over. The right-hander’s bat was beaten once and Buttler and Root went up in appeal but there was nothing in it.
IND 202/2 after 64 overs: The 50-run partnership between Rahul (82 off 178) and Kohli (14 off 37) comes up. Just what India needed after Anderson’s double strike.
IND 194/2 after 62 overs: Wood used the crease in that over and went wide but couldn’t really trouble Kohli. This partnership has now added 44 runs.
Buttoned up and collar down Virat kohli isn't the same vibe ya #INDvENG
— Riyan Parag (@ParagRiyan) August 12, 2021
IND 187/2 after 59 overs: That was definitely the shot of the day. Uff! This time Curran bowls it wide and Rahul absolutely creams it past extra-cover for four. That was picture perfect. And again, Kohli seemed to enjoy it the most.
IND 179/2 after 58 overs: Rahul with one of the shots of the day! Anderson pitched it full and wide, the right-hander leaned forward and drove it past extra-cover for four. Kohli enjoyed that.
James Anderson... #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/8tRBQGAxr8
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 12, 2021
IND 175/2 after 57 overs: Nine runs in that over for India. Rahul first got a pull just wide of Buttler for four, before Robinson ended the over with four byes down leg.
Kohli 🆚 Anderson 😍
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) August 12, 2021
Two stalwarts having a go at one another at the @HomeOfCricket 🔥#ENGvIND #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings
IND 166/2 after 56 overs: Anderson pitches the first ball of the over a little fuller than he would’ve wanted to and Kohli picks up a single to cover. But the right-arm quick returns to beat the India captain’s outside edge off the last ball. Always a riveting battle this.
IND 164/2 after 55 overs: Kohli gets off the mark with his 10th delivery. Robinson bowls one on the pads and the right-hander clips it wide of fine-leg for two. He then picks a single three balls later and it will now be Kohli vs Anderson.
IND 161/2 after 54 overs: Four! Anderson bowls a rare loose delivery and Rahul cuts it away comfortably. India need the opener to get a big one here. The conditions are still very conducive for pacers.
IND 157/2 after 53 overs: Kohli survives! Robinson beat his bat and England thought they had the big wicket but there was no edge. The sound was of bat hitting the pad. That was mighty close!
Clouds low, lights on, evening session, fresh batter at the crease. This is the time to strike! Could get our rewards this session for containing India 🇮🇳 well in morning & afternoon. Could easily be a 250-6 day if we get it right & India are Very top heavy here with the tail
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 12, 2021
9.06 pm: The players are back on the field for the post-tea session. Play could go on till 11.30 pm IST. India have KL Rahul and Virat Kohli at the crease now. Here we go!
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
Second half-century of the series for KL Rahul. He has shown his immense class at the top of the order 👏
📹: Sony Sportspic.twitter.com/vdRK0C0upy
Well played, India. England haven't made them work hard enough, especially Curran and Wood: 19-2-78-0 between them.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
Last three instances both Indian openers scoring 50-plus runs in a same Test innings outside Asia:
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) August 12, 2021
v England, Nottingham, 2007 (1st inn.)
v South Africa, Centurion, 2010 (2nd inn.)
v England, Lord's, 2021* (1st inn.)#INDvENG
Tea
Rahul ends the session with a classy cover-drive for four off Anderson. Gets a pat on the back from captain Kohli. Another good session for India but Anderson kept England in the game.
Bad run of scores can happen to any Test batsman at any stage of his career but the more worrying aspect with Pujara these days is how uncomfortable he looks in the middle now. Needs a confidence booster from somewhere and soon.#ENGvIND
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 12, 2021
#EngvInd
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) August 12, 2021
A 50 for KL Rahul and he was India's third-choice opener. You have to make the most of your luck and that is exactly what he has done. So important for him to stay in the moment and not think about anything else.
IND 153/2 after 50.4 overs: FIFTY for KL Rahul! He gets to his 13th half-century in Test cricket off 137 balls. The right-hander played a fine knock in the first Test and has carried forward his form today.
It truly is Anderson vs India.
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) August 12, 2021
Maestro at work. Anderson gets Pujara to bring England back into the game. His battle with Kohli promises to be captivating
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 12, 2021
IND 150/2 after 50 overs: WICKET! Cheteshwar Pujara is gone and it’s that man James Anderson again. He got the ball to nip away and the edge was caught safely in the slips.
In India's 2018 tour of England, only KL Rahul was able to play a 50-plus knock as an opener while on this tour, we already have both the openers having 80-plus knocks, in just the second Test.
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) August 12, 2021
Openers have set up a match for India today.#ENGvsIND
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
An innings to remember for Rohit Sharma.
✅ His highest score in a Test match away from home
✅ The highest ever score by an Indian opener at a Lord's Test match in the first innings out of four. https://t.co/9f4tZzMGK2 pic.twitter.com/AEXYQCd6ib
IND 147/1 after 48 overs: Pujara survives again! This time he gets a thick outside edge and the ball pierces the gap between second and third slip perfectly to run away for four. Anderson is doing Anderson things and the Indian batsmen will be determined to get to tea.
Rahul was on 17* (95 balls), when Rohit Sharma was on 81* (119 balls).
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 12, 2021
When Rohit was dismissed 83 (145 balls), Rahul was 33* (118b).
Rahul made 16 in 23 balls, while Rohit made only 2 runs in his last 26 balls!#ENGvsIND #ENGvIND
The stand of 126 runs between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul was only the second century opening stand for India in England in Tests since 1980 and that tells us the value of the stand. #ENGvsIND
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) August 12, 2021
IND 136/1 after 45.1 overs: Pujara survives! Anderson struck him on the pad and England went for the review. But the replay showed that the ball was going over. Anderson is bowling with fire now. It’s still quite dark as well. Testing times for the batsmen.
💔 That was test match batting of the highest quality that too in testing conditions. Well played @ImRo45 👏🏻 #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/amZ5rBtHmR
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 12, 2021
IND 136/1 after 45 overs: Now Rahul gets a move on. He picks up two fours on the off side from that Wood over. Pujara is the new batsman. He needs runs under his belt and has a solid platform to build on.
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
It took an absolute peach of a delivery from the great James Anderson to end that splendid knock from Rohit Sharma 👏
📹: England Cricketpic.twitter.com/XCrOtBT4Hr
Last 100+ opening stand outside Asia for India..
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 12, 2021
137 runs against South Africa at Centurion in December 2010 between Gambhir & Sehwag#ENGvsIND #ENGvIND #IndvEng
#EngvInd
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) August 12, 2021
Anderson to England's rescue as Rohit falls 17 runs short of what would have been his first overseas 100. A fantastic innings comes to an end. 83 off 145
#ENGvIND
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 12, 2021
End of a terrific innings from Rohit Sharma (what a ball, needed to be!). Not a century but this is the highest score ever by an Indian opening batsman in Innings #1 of a Lord's Test match. 👌🏽
It had to be Anderson, with another crucial breakthrough! Rohit gone for 83! India 126-1. Such a shame he couldn’t get 17 more, but what a job he and KL Rahul have done on day 1 @HomeOfCricket #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND 🏴🇮🇳🏏
— Nikesh Rughani (@NikeshRughani) August 12, 2021
From the 1st day in Australia he looked in form . To me this is the growth of @ImRo45 into another level . Maturity , Poise , Class , Dominance ! I just love this guy ! Take a bow ! #IndvsEng , one of the best innings have seen in some time.
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) August 12, 2021
Remarkable innings, remarkable bowler to end that innings. That is about it really #ENGvIND
— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) August 12, 2021
Correct me if I’m wrong - Thought #KLRahul indicated that he wasn’t able to spot the ball properly at the end of the last over. And the very next over #RohitSharma gets out. Top innings from #Rohit comes to an end. #INDvENG
— RK (@RK_sports) August 12, 2021
As @jonathanliew has just pointed out in the Lord's media centre, the dismissal of Rohit Sharma takes James Anderson past his own England record of 621 Test wickets.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
IND 126/1 after 43.4 overs: WICKET! England desperately needed a breakthrough, James Anderson returns to the attack and gets it. Rohit Sharma is clean bowled after a sublime knock, he misses out on his first overseas ton by 17 runs.
"Feels like a wickets day" https://t.co/0W4iXnGCvu
— Oliver Brett (@Oliver___Brett) August 12, 2021
IND 126/0 after 43 overs: Rare swing-and-miss from Rahul. Wood went short again and the right-hander tried to pull it hard but missed the ball completely.
Rohit Sharma averages 47 against 90mph+ bowling in Test cricket. #ENGvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
Vinayakk Mohanarangan: At 82, Rohit Sharma’s knock is now the highest score by an Indian opener in the first innings of a Test match at Lord’s.
IND 122/0 after 42 overs: England need a wicket desperately and Root brings Anderson back into the attack. He beats the bat a couple of times but no harm done. It’s quite dark at the moment and play would’ve surely been stopped if it wasn’t for the flood lights.
IND 121/0 after 41 overs: SIX! This time Rahul steps down and thumps one from Moeen over the long-off boundary. Such a clean strike that was. Rahul will take a lot of confidence from it.
IND 114/0 after 40 overs: Curran comes from round the wicket and bowls a sharp yorker. It strikes Rohit on the foot and England’s players go up in appeal. But the umpire says not out. The ball seemed to be going down leg comfortably.
It was unbecoming of India as a cricket force not to have a single century opening partnership in SENA countries since 2010. That is now gone. And about time.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 12, 2021
IND 111/0 after 38 overs: Curran ends that over with a beauty to beat Rahul’s outside edge. But the Indian openers are rotating the strike nicely now. They’ve worked hard, now it’s time to consolidate.
Rohit Sharma averages 64.36 when opening the batting in Test cricket.
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
That's the highest average for any opener in Test history (min 20 innings).#ENGvIND
Rohit Sharma has scored at a really healthy rate in this innings, but he's not attacked many "good" deliveries. Almost all of his attacking strokes have been England have dropped short, gone too full, or too straight - just excellent execution when given the opportunity. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Zg9fny55UC
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
#ENGvIND
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) August 12, 2021
Rohit Sharma's evolution as an opener has entered a truly magical phase. May he show KL Rahul the way too.
Rohit Sharma...
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 12, 2021
Highest Test scores 'away' from home.
81* at Lord's today
79 at Colombo in Aug 2015
72 at Auckland in Feb 2014#ENGvsIND#IndvsEng
He has 7 Test centuries - all at home!
This is excellent from Rohit and KL. @BCCI right on top in far from ideal conditions. In saying that there are no demons in this pitch so plenty of runs in it if you have a sound technique and a temperament to match it. Good man @Karl_McDermott cracking test match cricket 👍
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) August 12, 2021
The good news for England is that KL Rahul has scored only 17 runs in 35 overs. Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma has managed 79 at the other end.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
Have thoroughly enjoyed #TheHundred in England.#ENGvIND
— Aditya Chaturvedi (@aditya_c19) August 12, 2021
The Hundred in England!#OpeningStand#PlayBold #TeamIndia #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/0cAuLIW3tL
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 12, 2021
#ENGvIND
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 12, 2021
Just the third ever century opening partnership in Tests for India at Lord's.
Mankad-Roy: 1952
Engineer-Gavaskar: 1974
Rahul-Rohit: 2021
IND 100/0 after 33 overs: The hundred comes up for India in the 33rd over. More importantly, not a single wicket has been lost yet. High class batting from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul so far. Moeen tossed one up in that over and Rohit stepped out to hit it over mid-on for four. Easy does it.
Barring that false pull shot in first innings at Nottingham, Rohit Sharma has been completely at home against this English attack & in these conditions.
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) August 12, 2021
As long as he doesn't throw away his wicket after getting set, this promises to be a mega series for him.#EngvInd
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
Bowl short to Rohit Sharma and he won't back down! That went a long way 💥
📹: Sony Sportspic.twitter.com/Y5KT2yedCN
#ENGvIND 2nd Test
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
India are 91/0 after 30 overs.
Rohit is batting on 66 and Rahul is unbeaten on 16.
This is the highest opening partnership at Lord's for an away team after being asked to bat first. 👏👏👏
h/t @_hypocausthttps://t.co/9f4tZzMGK2 pic.twitter.com/N1TcBNZbuc
... pic.twitter.com/5JPOiDrLf9
— Wear a mask. Take your vaccine. (@prithinarayanan) August 12, 2021
Batting of the highest quality !! #ENGvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 12, 2021
Only ever been two century-opening-partnerships after being inserted in at Lord's - reckon we've got a very decent chance of another here. India well on top and barely broken sweat.
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) August 12, 2021
IND 86/0 after 28 overs: What a shot! Wood bowls another short ball, this time at 94 mph, but Rohit pulls it powerfully past mid-wicket for four. That was a statement shot. Rohit is batting with freedom now. Meanwhile, Moeen is being brought into the attack.
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
A superb Rohit Sharma half-century at Lords's 👌🏽👌🏽
📹: Sony Sportspic.twitter.com/8pKdnxWeEa
IND 77/0 after 26 overs: SIX! The first maximum of the game and it comes from Rohit’s bat. Wood bangs it in again and the right-hander sends it well over the fine-leg fielder. He had gotten out playing the hook shot in the first Test but he had no hesitation in going for it again.
Beautiful, seemingly effortless, half-century for Rohit in testing conditions.
— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) August 12, 2021
Super 50 from Rohit Sharma out of India's 71-0. England's bowling looks... harmless.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
Looks a slow pitch at Lord’s. Bowlers are doing great. Hang in, go at 2 an over, the clouds can change the game quickly, don’t let the scoreboard leak away. Will be runs everywhere if the sun comes out Day 2 /3. Wish I was out there, but still get a great buzz supporting
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 12, 2021
Rohit Sharma superb today. Eight runs off his first 46 balls, 43 off his next 37
— Rory Dollard (@thervd) August 12, 2021
First 50-run partnership for India in the first innings at Lord's since 1952 - KL RAHUL AND ROHIT SHARMA. Not many would've seen this coming in 2018. #ENGvIND
— Manya (@CSKian716) August 12, 2021
IND 71/0 after 25 overs: FIFTY for Rohit Sharma! The right-hander gets to his 13th Test half-century off 83 balls. He’s batted with determination and picked his scoring shots really well. Rohit and KL Rahul are putting on a crucial opening stand.
Players are generally judged by high scores but Rohit's contribution has been outstanding.
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) August 12, 2021
The stat I am interested
Instances where the opening stand for India has lasted >20 overs in SENA countries
2000-2020-5
2021-5
Avg balls faced by Rohit- 70#ENGvsIND
IND 68/0 after 24 overs: Four! Wood bangs it in and Rohit gets on his toes to play a well-controlled pull shot to the fine-leg fence. The right-arm fast bowler is bowling with serious pace now.
#ENGvIND
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) August 12, 2021
Since 2000, this is now the most number of deliveries faced by an Indian opening pair at a Test match at Lord's.
IND 61/0 after 23 overs: Runs for India in that Robinson over. Rahul with a nice back foot punch for two. It’s still quite overcast at lord’s.
Surprised England haven't bowled a few short balls at Rahul. He is setting up to play off the front foot and has based his game on negotiating the full balls.. Just change it up slightly. #ENGvIND #Lords
— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) August 12, 2021
Only once in KL Rahul's Test career has he scored fewer runs having reached 50 balls faced, than the 10 he managed today. #ENGvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
IND 46/0 after 20 overs: Mark Wood, the quickest of the England fast bowlers, is brought into the attack finally and he starts off with a maiden. Good pace and carry immediately for him.
6.20 pm: The covers are off and the players are out on the field for the post-lunch session. India’s openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul won the first phase but they still have a big job on their hands.
Rain stopped play at 12.50pm, it had pretty much passed 10 mins later, but lunch wasn't officially taken until 1.10pm and they'll end up having been off the field for an hour... 🤨
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) August 12, 2021
Rohit Sharma is now the first player to open the batting in Tests, ODIs and T20Is against England at Lord's.
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) August 12, 2021
Rohit has done it in:-
2009 T20 World Cup
2018 ODI match
2021 Test match
Might be the only one for a long time due to the rareness of Lord's hosting T20Is.#ENGvIND
5.36 pm: The umpires have decided to call for an early lunch. The rain seems to have stopped, though.
This passage of play by @klrahul11 and @ImRo45 as openers have been as good as any . Playing the line, soft hands , playing it late .
— DK (@DineshKarthik) August 12, 2021
Well done ❤️
The opening stands between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul so far in this series have been outstanding Test batting in demanding conditions #ENGvIND
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) August 12, 2021
On come the covers. India will be thrilled with that mini-session: 46-0 under grey skies, with plenty of swing around. Anderson was tight, Robinson a touch wide at times, Curran loose, Wood ignored. Not what England hoped for at all.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
IND 46/0 after 18.4 overs: And it’s raining again. The players are walking off and it’s quite dark at the moment. This was a solid passage of play for India.
Jimmy Anderson 7-3-9-0. Sam Curran 5-1-28-0. #ENGvIND #Lords
— Shamik Chakrabarty (@shamik100) August 12, 2021
While Rohit has been Rohit what's been stunning is the manner in which Rahul has curbed his natural instincts and put his head down. A great example of why "I play this way and this way only" is sometimes not good enough at the highest level. #ENGvIND
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) August 12, 2021
IND 46/0 after 18 overs: Anderson angles one in and Rahul gets a thick outside edge through extra-cover for two. Good over that from the right-arm quick.
And the first seam bowler to bowl 35,000 balls in Tests! https://t.co/xBs2kpy0cq
— Association of Cricket Statisticians & Historians (@ACScricket) August 12, 2021
This is a super start for India. Rohit and KL were excellent against the new ball in Nottingham and have been similarly good here. Are England worried yet?#ENGvIND
— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) August 12, 2021
KL Rahul in 2021 (pic 1) gets his front foot outside the line and his head seems a lot further down the pitch compared to 2018 (pic 2) #ENGvsIND #Lords pic.twitter.com/YyD0z1uI07
— Gav Joshi (@Gampa_cricket) August 12, 2021
Must say Rohit Sharma is the most classical Test opener India has had since Murali Vijay #EngvIND
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) August 12, 2021
IND 44/0 after 17 overs: Another boundary for Rohit! Once again Curran drifts onto the pads and gets clipped to fine-leg. The runs are starting to flow. Anxious times for Root and England.
Rohit Sharma is batting about 30cm further down the track against Sam Curran. Without pace or natural bounce, Curran is a prime target for Rohit to walk at - though he does have a good bouncer. Might be necessary to keep Rohit deeper in the crease. #ENGvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
IND 38/0 after 15 overs: Four fours for Rohit Sharma in that Sam Curran over! Three on the off side and then one through square-leg. This is turning into a fine start for India.
IND 22/0 after 14 overs: Shot! Anderson pitches it slightly full and Rahul drives it through the vacant mid-off region for three. The openers are looking much more comfortable now.
IND 18/0 after 13 overs: India get their first boundary of the match off the 77th delivery of the day. Sam Curran drifts onto the pads and Rohit Sharma clips it for four to the fine-leg fence.
Legendary England all-rounder and the ICC Hall of Famer, Enid Bakewell, rang the five-minute bell before the start of play at Lord's ✨
— ICC (@ICC) August 12, 2021
📸 @HomeOfCricket | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/3E8SxZJNM9
IND 14/0 after 12 overs: Anderson changes ends and returns to the attack. Bowls three in-cutters in a row and hits Rohit’s pad each time. No harm done for the right-hander, though. The over ends with Rahul chasing a wide delivery, getting beaten, and then shaking his head in regret immediately.
This is the lowest score after 10 overs in a UK Test since Pakistan were 9-1 back in 2010.
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
It's also the first time since 2011 that a side have opted to bowl first at Lord's, and not taken a wicket in the first 10 overs.#ENGvIND
IND 11/0 after 10 overs: Robinson continues from his end and Rohit picks up two through mid-wicket to end the over. India’s openers have exceptional so far.
Gun batting and leaving the ball from Rohit and Rahul once more. Old fashioned, quality opening batting with the ball moving about. #ENGvIND
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) August 12, 2021
IND 8/0 after 9 overs: Curran replaces Anderson in the attack and starts with a maiden. The left-arm pacer got one to nip away slightly and beat Rohit’s outside edge.
IND 8/0 after 8 overs: The first edge of the morning and Rahul survives. Robinson gets one to nip away and take the outside edge, but the ball falls just short of Sibley at second slip.
This is the longest tail India have gone into a Test match with since 2000 (determined by the batting average of the fourth 'worst' batsman pre Test). #ENGvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
IND 8/0 after 7 overs: Fascinating battle between Rohit and Anderson. The pacer is moving it off the pitch both ways, using the scramble seam effectively, but the opener is leaving the ball well.
Unusually scattergun opening spell from Ollie Robinson so far. He's bowled some excellent deliveries, but they've been mixed with plenty of deliveries too straight, and too wide. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Yzumpi1QNT
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) August 12, 2021
IND 7/0 after 6 overs: Top over from Robinson. He bagged a five-for in the first Test and seems to be full of confidence. The right-arm pacer beat Rohit’s outside edge twice in that over.
IND 6/0 after 5 overs: Rahul gets off the mark, before Rohit picks up two with a thick inside edge to backward square leg. Anderson ends the over with an out-swinger that beats Rohit’s bat.
England's reluctance to have a fielder in close to the bat on the on side has provided much relief to India #ENGvIND
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) August 12, 2021
IND 3/0 after 4 overs: Another maiden over. Robinson beat Rohit’s outside edge with a beauty but the right-hander defended a couple of deliveries in that over really well.
IND 3/0 after 3 overs: Exhibition stuff from Jimmy Anderson. He keeps hitting that good length just outside off and moves the ball both ways masterfully. Rahul did well in that over to keep a close eye.
#ENGvIND Second Test
— JSW Sports (@jswsports) August 12, 2021
England won the toss and decided to bowl first, and the match is finally underway at the Lord's Cricket Ground.
Revised timings (IST):
→ Session 1: 4 pm to 6 pm
→ Session 2: 6.40 pm to 8.40 pm
→ Session 3: 9 pm to 11 pm
📸 BCCI#BetterEveryday🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/fbi2kzU16U
IND 3/0 after 2 overs: Good start by Robinson too. Mixes up his line and length to test Rohit. But the right-hander picks up two with a firm push down the ground.
Dark cherry red coloured cherry! #ENGvIND
— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) August 12, 2021
IND 1/0 after 1 over: Wonderful start from Anderson, as expected. Moves the ball away from the right-handers and hits his mark straight away. This will be a challenging phase for the openers, with the clouds hovering around as well.
With test matches at Leeds and Manchester, Ashwin will probably get one test at best, then two more at home and with this template, nothing for another year, maybe! The best spin bowler in the world!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 12, 2021
3.59 pm: Right, the players are out again and it seems we’re going to have some cricket. The sun is out, in fact. James Anderson has the new ball. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma are at the crease. Here we go!
Haseeb Hameed and Sam Curran in the same England team for the first time. They are fifth and seventh respectively on the list of youngest men to have played Test cricket for England. On debut, Hameed was 19 years and 297 days, Curran 19 years and 363 days.
— Stephan Shemilt (@stephanshemilt) August 12, 2021
UPDATE - Restart at 11.30 AM local (4 PM IST)#ENGvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 12, 2021
Rain stopped, covers coming off.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) August 12, 2021
Is the rain ever going to stay away this "summer".
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 12, 2021
Among all captains with 50+ Tests, Joe Root has the best record in winning the toss - 61.11% (33 tosses won in 54 matches).
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) August 12, 2021
Virat has the third worst record with 42.85% (27 in 63).
Michael Atherton (42.59%) and Hansie Cronje (41.51%) had even worse record!#ENGvIND
3.46 pm: The national anthems are done and we’re ready for play at Lord’s! Nope, wait. It’s raining again, the covers are coming on and the players are walking off.
#ENGvIND
— The Field (@thefield_in) August 12, 2021
Haseeb Hameed has been roped in for the Lord's Test. The right-hander scored a 💯 against India in the tour game.
📹: England Cricketpic.twitter.com/pkpT6YzNNX
That’s how the surface looks like 👀
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) August 12, 2021
Which Indian batter is likely to get a century at Lord’s? 💬👇#ENGvIND #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/oQYtuIavSf
#ENGvIND
— Ashish Magotra (@clutchplay) August 12, 2021
No Thakur for India. Ishant Sharma comes in. Four quicks. No real tail and no Ashwin. The top order will have to do what they are picked for -- BAT.
Playing XIs
England: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (w), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, James Anderson.
India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Not a huge surprise Anderson plays. He was insistent in private yesterday that he was fit. Hameed comes in for Crawley, Ali for Lawrence, and Wood for Broad.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) August 12, 2021
No Ashwin !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 12, 2021
3.26 pm: England have three changes – Haseeb Hameed, Moeen Ali and Mark Wood come in for Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence and Stuart Broad.
Virat's bad luck with the toss continues......8th Test as captain in England, lost toss in all eight!#ENGvsIND #ENGvIND #INDvsENG #INDvENG
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) August 12, 2021
Virat Kohli: "We have an opportunity to put a decent total on board. Just one change for us. Ishant replaces Shardul."#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #ENGvIND
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 12, 2021
3.24 pm: Ashwin was definitely in our 12 but it made more sense to go in with the fourth pacer, says Virat Kohli.
3.23 pm: Just one change for India. R Ashwin misses out again as Ishant Sharma replaces the injured Shardul Thakur.
3.21 pm: TOSS – Joe Root has won the toss and England will BOWL first at Lord’s!
The vibe at Lord’s is Jimmy Anderson plays…
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) August 12, 2021
3.09 pm: Update from Lord’s – the toss will happen at 3.20 pm IST and the match will start at 3.45 pm IST. If there’s no more rain, of course.
Toss for the second #ENGvIND Test has been delayed as rain comes pouring down ☔ https://t.co/PmVm6tIKX9
— ICC (@ICC) August 12, 2021
Why is it raining 😭
— Wear a mask. Take your vaccine. (@prithinarayanan) August 12, 2021
The covers are back on so the toss is likely to be delayed. All the signs this am suggest Jimmy Anderson is playing for England.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) August 12, 2021
3.01 pm: It’s raining! Yes, it is. The toss at Lord’s has been delayed.
2.53 pm: Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t at his best in the WTC final but he roared back to form at Trent Bridge. A quick look back at the pacer’s superb performance at in the first Test against England:
Staying in the moment: Patient Jasprit Bumrah finds his zone
2.48 pm: India had a number of fine performances in the first Test before rain played spoilsport at the end. First up, it was KL Rahul. The opener grabbed his opportunity with a classy knock in the first innings at Trent Bridge. A quick look back:
In tough conditions, KL Rahul showed India the way
Jimmy Anderson is on the outfield as England's warm up begins
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) August 12, 2021
The lads have arrived! 👋
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 12, 2021
🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/S9CMZoD3yp
Good morning @homeofcricket! 🏏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 12, 2021
🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/1sIk5ahPux
Preparations done ✅#TeamIndia geared up for the 2nd #ENGvIND Test at Lord's 💪 pic.twitter.com/hxptjoBbAG
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 12, 2021
2.40 pm: Hello and welcome to live coverage of day one of the second Test between India and England at Lord’s.
Virat Kohli and Co had the upper hand for most of the first Test and if it wasn’t for rain on the final day at Trent Bridge, they could well have been 1-0 up in the five-match series. But the visitors would want to put that disappointment behind them and start strongly again at Lord’s.
Shardul Thakur, who took two wickets in each of the innings in Nottingham, will miss out on the second Test due to injury. For England, Stuart Broad was ruled out for the rest of the series after pulling his calf muscle during training.