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When Ishant Sharma Demolished England With A 7-Fer At Lord's On This Day 10 Years Ago

Ishant Sharma decimated England on 21st July, 2014 at the Lord's [X]Ishant Sharma decimated England on 21st July, 2014 at the Lord's [X]

July 21st marks a significant date in the history of Indian cricket. On this date in 2014, India won a test at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground after 28 years. This achievement of the team came under the leadership of MS Dhoni. India won their previous Test at this ground in 1986 under Kapil Dev's captaincy. 


The set-up for the historic performance

The match was set up by a team effort by the batters in both the innings. India batted first in the match and posted 295 runs before being bundled out in the 92nd over. Ajinkya Rahane led the batting effort, scoring 103 runs off 154 deliveries.

In reply, Gary Ballance scored a brilliant 110 of 203 balls and ensured that England got 319 runs in their first innings, taking a lead of 24. In the third innings of the match and their second innings, India put in another resolute show. 

Murali Vijay laid the foundation in this case with a gutsy 95 off 247 deliveries. Even though there was a middle-order collapse, Ravindra Jadeja (68 off 57) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (52 off 71) stuck together an important partnership and took India to 342 runs. India set a target of 319 runs for the home team in the final innings. 

After a resolute start, England lost three quick wickets in a span of two runs and were in trouble when Joe Root and Moeen Ali started rebuilding the innings. It was the last day of the match, and the English team was trying to turn the match into a draw. 


England rattled in their own backyard



However, a tactical masterstroke by MS Dhoni and a great spell by Ishant Sharma changed the course of the game. India resorted to the plan of bowling short to English batters. The first prey to this trap was Moeen Ali. The departure of the all-rounder triggered a collapse where England lost five wickets for 50 and lost the match by 93 runs. 

Ishant Sharma finished with the figures of 7/74 in 23 overs. The aggression and the resolution that Sharma showed on that day have etched his name in the hearts of the Indian cricket fans. It was a pleasant surprise to watch an Indian pacer troubling the English batters with a barrage of short balls in their own backyard. The performance earned Sharma the 'Player of the Match' award.