On This Day: Ishant Sharma’s Fiery 7 for 74 Seals Historic Win for India at Lord’s

Ajinkya Rahane’s graceful 103 set up India’s first innings of 295, while England responded with 319. India’s second innings of 342, powered by Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja, set a challenging 319-run target. Ishant Sharma’s fiery 7/74 dismantled England at 223, sealing a historic win that ignited joy among Indian cricket fans.

India vs England: 21st July 2014 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground

The victory at Lord’s in the 2nd Investec Test of 2014 was a historic moment for India, as they clinched a 95-run triumph over England, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Played from July 17 to 21, 2014, this match showcased grit, skill, and a standout performance by Ishant Sharma, whose fiery bowling on the final day sealed the deal. India’s young side, full of self-belief, ended a wretched run of overseas Test losses that began at the same venue in 2011.

India 1st Innings

India’s first innings began cautiously after England opted to field first on a Lord’s pitch offering some assistance to seamers. The openers, Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan, faced early challenges. Dhawan fell for 7, caught by Gary Ballance off James Anderson, who struck early. Vijay scored a patient 24 before Liam Plunkett dismissed him. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 28 off 117 balls showed resilience, but he couldn’t convert, bowled by Ben Stokes. Virat Kohli’s 25 was brief, falling to Anderson, leaving India at 86/3.

The innings found its hero in Ajinkya Rahane, who played a masterful 103 off 154 balls, including 15 fours and a six. His elegant strokeplay stabilised the innings, though he lacked support at times. MS Dhoni, the captain, was disappointed with just 1, caught behind off Stuart Broad, while Ravindra Jadeja’s 3 ended via an lbw to Moeen Ali. Stuart Binny’s 9 was underwhelming, and Anderson’s fourth wicket sent him back. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 36 off 84 balls, with seven fours, provided crucial runs, forming a 90-run stand with Rahane. Mohammed Shami’s quick 19 and Ishant Sharma’s unbeaten 12 pushed India to 295 in 91.4 overs.

Anderson was England’s spearhead with 4/60, supported by Broad (2/79) and Stokes (2/40). The innings was a mixed bag as Rahane’s century was the highlight, but early collapses and middle-order wobbles exposed vulnerabilities. India’s total felt competitive yet under par, setting the stage for their bowlers to step up. The extras (28, including 17 byes) reflected England’s slightly wayward bowling, but their disciplined attack kept India’s scoring rate at 3.21 runs per over. This innings laid the foundation for a closely fought match, with Rahane’s ton proving India could bat with purpose on a challenging surface.

England 1st Innings

England’s reply started shakily as Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early, removing Alastair Cook (10) and Sam Robson (17) to leave them at 31/2. Gary Ballance anchored the innings with a gritty 110 off 203 balls, his 15 fours showcasing his class. Ian Bell’s 16 was cut short by Kumar, who was relentless, finishing with 6/82. Joe Root’s 13 was a disappointment, trapped lbw by Jadeja, but Moeen Ali’s 32 off 106 balls supported Ballance in a 98-run stand. The real surprise was Liam Plunkett’s unbeaten 55 off 79 balls, his aggressive batting lifting England to 319 in 105.5 overs, a slender 24-run lead. Matt Prior’s 23 and James Anderson’s 19 added valuable runs, but Kumar’s swing and seam movement dismantled England’s middle order.

His six-wicket haul, including key scalps like Ballance and Stokes (0), was pivotal. Mohammed Shami chipped in with 1/58, while Jadeja’s 2/46, including Anderson’s wicket, wrapped up the innings. Ishant Sharma went wicketless (0/61), but his 24 overs kept the pressure on, hinting at the storm he’d unleash later. England’s batting was steady but not dominant, with Ballance’s century and Plunkett’s late flourish keeping them in the game.

The extras (20, including 10 leg byes) showed India’s occasional lack of control, but Kumar’s spell ensured England couldn’t run away. The innings ended on day two with England at 219/6, and by day three’s start, India had clawed back momentum. This set up an intriguing contest, with India needing to bat smartly in their second innings to set a challenging target. England’s slight lead gave them hope, but India’s bowlers, led by Kumar, had shown they could exploit Lord’s conditions effectively.

India 2nd Innings

India’s second innings began with purpose, as Murali Vijay anchored with a composed 95 off 247 balls, falling just short of a century. Shikhar Dhawan’s 31 provided a solid start before Ben Stokes got him. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 43 off 83 balls kept the momentum, but Liam Plunkett’s double strike, dismissing Pujara and Virat Kohli (0) in quick succession which rocked India at 118/3. Ajinkya Rahane’s 5 was a letdown, caught off Broad, but MS Dhoni’s 19 showed grit. Ravindra Jadeja’s explosive 68 off 57 balls, with nine fours, shifted the game’s tempo, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 52 off 71 balls added vital runs.

Their 99-run stand for the eighth wicket frustrated England. Stuart Binny’s duck and Mohammed Shami’s 0 were brief, but India reached 342 in 103.1 overs, setting England a target of 319. James Anderson (1/77) was economical but less effective, while Plunkett (3/65) and Stokes (3/51) led England’s attack. Moeen Ali’s 2/28, including Binny and Shami, added pressure. The innings saw 29 extras, reflecting England’s struggles with discipline. Vijay’s patient knock and Jadeja’s aggression were the highlights, giving India a defendable total.

The scoring rate of 3.31 showed a balanced approach, blending caution with timely counterattacks. By the end of day three, India were 169/4, and on day four, Jadeja and Kumar’s partnership ensured a challenging target. This innings showcased India’s depth, with lower-order contributions proving decisive. The stage was set for a thrilling final day, with England needing a disciplined chase and India banking on their bowlers, particularly Ishant Sharma, to deliver under pressure. The total felt just enough, but Lord’s unpredictable pitch kept both teams in the game.

England 2nd Innings

England’s chase of 319 began poorly, with Ravindra Jadeja trapping Sam Robson lbw for 7. Alastair Cook’s 22 was gritty but ended via Ishant Sharma’s bounce, caught by Dhoni. Gary Ballance’s 27 fell to Mohammed Shami, and Ian Bell’s 1 was a blow, bowled by Ishant’s sharp in-ducker. At 72/4, England were wobbling. Joe Root (66) and Moeen Ali (39) fought back with a 101-run stand, raising hopes. But Ishant Sharma’s spell on day five turned the match. Bowling short and fast, he exploited Lord’s bounce, finishing with a career-best 7/74 in 23 overs.

His relentless attack dismissed Root, Ali, Matt Prior (12), and Ben Stokes (0) in quick succession, breaking England’s spine. Prior’s rash shot and Stokes’ duck highlighted Ishant’s dominance, as he targeted the batsmen’s ribs and helmets. Stuart Broad’s 8 couldn’t resist, and James Anderson’s run-out for 2 ended the innings at 223 in 88.2 overs. Jadeja’s 1/53 and Shami’s 1/33 supported Ishant, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 0/21 was tight. Ishant’s spell was a masterclass as his 7 wickets included five in the final session, with short-pitched deliveries forcing errors. The extras (32, including 16 leg byes) showed England’s struggle under pressure.

By lunch on day five, England were 173/5, but Ishant’s post-lunch burst, removing Root, Prior, Stokes, and Broad in 10 overs, sealed India’s victory. His ability to bowl with pace and precision on a wearing pitch earned him the Player of the Match award. This innings was a testament to India’s bowling depth and Ishant’s leadership, as he outshone England’s batsmen, who crumbled under his fiery spell. The 95-run win was India’s first at Lord’s since 1986, a landmark moment for a young team.