India’s Finest in England, Part 3: Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma – Masters of Lord’s in India’s Stunning Victory

Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as India’s match-winners in their memorable 2014 Test victory over England at Lord’s.

Table of Contents

• Ajinkya Rahane Heroics Shine at Lord’s

• Ishant Sharma and the short ball tactic

Ajinkya Rahane Heroics Shine at Lord’s

After a resilient draw in Nottingham, India entered the Lord’s Test confident. However, early wickets by England’s James Anderson put India under pressure, collapsing to 145 for seven. Amid the struggle, Ajinkya Rahane stood tall with a brilliant 103, showcasing elegant strokeplay and forging a crucial 90-run partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, keeping India’s hopes alive.

*A century India fans will remember for a long time 👏

🎂 Happy Birthday to [@ajinkyarahane88](https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).[#LoveLords](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveLords?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Q6JnlhGTHB*](https://t.co/Q6JnlhGTHB)

— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) June 6, 2023

After a shaky start, India managed to add 150 runs for the last three wickets, posting a total of 295—below par but a significant recovery from their earlier collapse. Bhuvneshwar Kumar exploited the swing and the tricky Lord’s slope to great effect, quickly dismissing England’s Alastair Cook, Sam Robson, and Ian Bell. Ravindra Jadeja then trapped Joe Root leg before wicket, keeping India in the game as England struggled at 113 for four.

Gary Ballance, who later represented Zimbabwe, orchestrated a strong rescue alongside Moeen Ali, putting on a 98-run partnership. Ballance’s measured century (110 runs off 203 balls with 15 fours) was crucial before both were dismissed in quick succession. England took a narrow lead of 24 runs, aided by Liam Plunkett’s late surge with the bat.

In response, India’s top order fought back, with M Vijay scoring a patient 95. Despite Plunkett’s threat, India rallied to 342, powered by a vital 99-run eighth-wicket stand between Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar. Jadeja’s aggressive 68, fueled by anger after an altercation with Anderson, proved pivotal in swinging momentum.

Ishant Sharma and the short ball tactic

Chasing 319, England faltered early, losing four wickets for just 72 runs, with Ishant Sharma shining by dismissing key batsmen Cook and Bell. At 105 for four, the situation looked tense, but Root and Moeen steadied the innings on the final day’s first session. Though scoring was steady rather than rapid, their calm approach frustrated India and fueled doubts of a possible upset.

In a bold move, Dhoni instructed Ishant to bowl short-pitched deliveries targeting the batsmen’s bodies. This tactical change paid off handsomely, turning the momentum dramatically in India’s favor.

🎂 Happy Birthday @ImIshant*!

He took 7 for 74 for [@BCCI](https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) v [@englandcricket](https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) at Lord's in 2014 💪 [#LoveLords](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveLords?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/YkSQWVLIXU*](https://t.co/YkSQWVLIXU)

— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) September 2, 2017

Moeen Ali’s struggle against short balls was evident when Ishant Sharma’s delivery glanced off his gloves to Pujara at short-leg, breaking a stubborn 101-run partnership just before lunch. India’s excitement was palpable as the key wicket arrived at a crucial moment.

Encouraged by Dhoni, Ishant continued his short-ball assault after the break, sparking a dramatic phase. With three to four men guarding the on-side boundary, England’s batsmen let their egos slip. Prior, Stokes, and Root all fell to Ishant’s relentless pace and bounce, caught while attempting pulls.

Adding to the drama, Jadeja’s direct hit ran out Anderson, completing a stunning 95-run collapse. On a typically flat day-five pitch, an Indian pacer’s fiery short-pitched bowling and sharp fielding snatched a sensational victory, defying expectations and thrilling fans worldwide.

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