Virender Sehwag Impressed With Mohammed Shami And Jasprit Bumrah’s Batting In Lord’s Test

The pair batted to add an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the ninth wicket, taking India’s total to 298/8 and setting England a 272-run target, which proved enough as India registered a memorable 151-run win to take a 1-0 lead.

Virender Sehwag: Even Virat Kohli Could Not Play The Cover Drive As Mohammed Shami Did

Of the many aspects of their partnership, the one which impressed Virender Sehwag the most was their shot-making. Neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Mohammed Shami hung back, playing some wonderful strokes. Mohammed Shami recorded his second Test fifty, reaching there with a six off Moeen Ali. In between, he played a couple of handsome cover drives, one-off Moeen Ali which raced away to the fence.

“Look at that cover drive. Even Virat Kohli could not play that shot as well as he (Mohammed Shami) did. Brilliant batting and partnership between the two. I think the moment Robinson was taken out of the attack, both became very comfortable.

“When Sam Curran and Moeen Ali came on, it never looked like England would be able to get them out. The defense was correct, the shots were correct. Everything was in India’s favour,” Virendee Sehwag said on the Sony Sports Network.

With a 92m Six, Mohammed Shami smashed a half-century at Lord’s on Day 5.  This was his second Test fifty. He remained unbeaten on 56 off 70 balls which included 6 fours and a solitary six. Jasprit Bumrah on the other hand was unbeaten on 34 when India declared at 298/8.

Virender Sehwag Would Have Made England Play 2 Overs Before Lunch If He Was Skipper In The Lord’s Test

India declared early in the third session, but Virender Sehwag felt Virat Kohli could have put England in two overs before the lunch interval to signal their intent. But of course, it did not matter as India wrapped up England’s proceedings with nine overs to go.

“Had I been the captain, I would have made England play two overs before lunch. India should show the mindset that they want a result. They should convey the message that ‘we have declared because we want a result. Will they go for the chase? If yes, then we have a chance to win as well. So, we are playing for a result, now you decide what you are going for,” Virender Sehwag added.

A spirited performance from the Indian seamers helped the visitors beat England by 151 runs in the second Test and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series on Monday. Chasing 272, England were bowled out for 120 in 51.5 overs with skipper Joe Root top-scoring with 33.

India declared on 298-8 just after lunch to set England 272 to win in 60 overs. It was a victory target the hosts never intended to chase, but one they couldn’t defend either. Mohammed Siraj picked 4 wickets in each innings but it was KL Rahul who was awarded MOM for his classy 129 in the first innings.