The first test at Lord’s between India and England is now whirling on its head. After a display on the fourth day when India raised hopes of a huge rebuke, England are now back in the driver’s seat and firmly placed to win the test and take a 1-0 lead in the series. In a hurry to load up the runs and compel a win, the England batsmen were caught slumbering with India’s Ishant Sharma proving a spike with some disciplined bowling. So much so, most of the top order batsmen were back in the pavilion and at one stage the England scoreboard read 62 for 5 wickets with Ishant’s bowling figures with an impressive 3 wickets in 5 overs with 3 maidens and just 4 runs given away.
But then, Matt Prior, they found a hero who blasted the Indian bowling with such disregard while recording an unbeaten century (103) in 120 balls with 5 fours and a single six. Prior, who has been extremely lucky at Lord’s was scoring his third century at Lord’s and his sixth overall in his career of 44 tests. Giving him solid support was Stuart Broad with a well made 74 runs in 90 balls while remaining not out. Under the circumstances, the England score zoomed to an overall lead of 458 runs and an impossible target for the visitors to achieve.
Unless of course, the two Indian Champions, V.V.S.Laxman and Rahul Dravid who are now at the crease put their heads down and thrwart England from going ahead in the series. The two are capable of doing anything when they are in good mood and the signs are there for such a heroic act on the final day. However, as it stands, Stuart Broad especially, will be more than eager to continue with his all round efforts and push India into defeat.
India are in real trouble with opener Gambhir down with an injury and star batsman Sachin Tendulkar unwell with viral infection although both are expected to bat in case required. That leaves with only Dhoni and Raina to look after the batting.
Although the weather bureau had forecast rain to disrupt the test, there has not been much playing time lost. With India in such a hopeless position at the moment, one is not sure if the heavens will open up and deprive England their well deserved win at Lord’s. From every point of view, England have dominated the test so far and there is no denying that they deserve to win unless of course one witnesses a Very Very Special innings from VVS Laxman and the first innings centurion Dravid which the spectators would love for a fine finale. Skipper Dhoni who has been doing all sorts of things on the field including knocking off his gloves and taking the ball himself to bowl has to do one more magic with his bat if his team has to remain undefeated. On home soil and with such a huge advantage, England will only be putting the pressure and finish the match in their favour. A testing time ahead for India on the final day’s play at Lord’s.
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