India suffered a heartbreaking loss in the first test in Edgbaston by a minimal margin of 31 runs, thanks to the efforts of captain Virat Kohli who notched up more than 200 runs in two innings to ensure the team does not suffer a humiliating loss. With four matches still to go in the series, there are chances for India to script a comeback and the Lords will offer some positive news for the visitors.
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Den to Asian teams in the past
England lost a test match against Pakistan in May that sense a positive sign for the Asian champions. During the course of 3-1 defeat in 2014, Lords was the only venue where India registered an emphatic win under the leadership of MS Dhoni and this may be some positive that Virat Kohli’s men can take into the match.
India’s bowling performance
Indian bowlers were impressive in the first test match with Ravichandran Ashwin taking four wickets in the first innings, well supported by Mohammed Shami who scalped 3 wickets. Ishant Sharma chipped in with a five wickets haul in the second innings well supported by Ashwin who took 3 wickets.
Overall Indian bowling performance was above par as they managed to bag all the 20 wickets but one of the bowlers had to make way for Jasprit Bumrah who was expected to make his return in the second test.
He has been training in the nets but it is unlikely that he will pick up the pace and get ready for the second test.
BCCI’s statement while naming the Indian squad for first 3 tests
“Jasprit Bumrah who has been included in the squad will be available for selection from the 2nd Test onwards based on his fitness.
About Bumrah’s injury
The Gujarat speedster picked up the thumb injury in the first T20 against Ireland at The Village in Dublin. He underwent a surgery and was named in the team for the test series. He has returned to the nets but making his way into the playing 11 looks more than uncertain.
