India have made a roaring comeback against England in the ongoing five-match Test series for the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, levelling the score at 1-1. After a tough loss in Leeds, the visitors responded with a commanding 336-run victory in Edgbaston, their biggest win by runs margin in an overseas Test. With momentum on their side, India are now heading into the third Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, starting July 10, where both sides will battle to take a crucial lead.
Lord’s is not just a stadium, it is the ‘Mecca of Cricket’, a venue every Test cricketer dreams of conquering. Scoring a century here is often considered the ultimate badge of honour for a batter, yet many legends have left this ground unfulfilled. From historic honours boards to game-changing spells, the venue demands greatness, and unforgivingly exposes flaws.
Virat Kohli’s Lord’s drought mirrors the master Sachin Tendulkar
For India, Dilip Vengsarkar remains the most successful batter at Lord’s with a remarkable record, three Test centuries on this ground, a feat no other Indian has matched. Interestingly, Ajit Agarkar, better known for his pace bowling, also finds his name etched into Lord’s history with a Test century in 2002.
However, not all legends succeeded here. The great Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most centuries in Test cricket (51), failed to cross fifty even once at Lord’s in five appearances. In those matches, he managed 195 runs, but the coveted century remained elusive. His performances here serve as a reminder of how unforgiving Lord’s can be, even for the best.
Virat Kohli, the modern batting giant and India’s former captain and Test cricketer, has also found runs hard to come by at Lord’s. Despite playing three Test matches at this venue, Kohli, like Tendulkar, has neither a century nor a half-century to his name here. He has scored just 127 runs in total, with Lord’s standing as one of the few prominent venues where he has not made a lasting impact with the bat.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Here’s how India have fared in Test matches at Lord’s, London
List of top 10 Indian players with Test centuries at Lord’s:
1. Dilip Vengsarkar (3 Centuries)
- 103 vs England, 1979 (Test): Vengsarkar scored a resolute 103 in the first Test of the 1979 series against England. This century, alongside crucial partnership with Gundappa Vishwanath, was crucial in saving the match from a difficult situation for India.
- 157 vs England, 1982 (Test): Vengsarkar’s second century at Lord’s was an unbeaten 157 against England in the second Test of the 1982 series. It was a testament to his class and ability in challenging English conditions. Although this remarkable innings couldn’t helped India as the side suffered a defeat.
- 126 vs England, 1986 (Test): Vengsarkar scored his third Lord’s century, an unbeaten 126, in the third Test of the 1986 series against England. This innings further solidified his reputation as ‘Lord of Lord’s.’ India won this match, securing a dominant series win.
2. Ajit Agarkar (1 Century)
- 109 vs England, 2002 (Test): Agarkar, primarily known for his bowling, surprised many with an unbeaten 109 against England in a Test match at Lord’s on July 29, 2002. This was his maiden and only Test century. Despite his heroic effort, India lost the match by 170 runs.
3. Mohammad Azharuddin (1 Century)
- 121 vs England, 1990 (Test): Azharuddin scored a scintillating 121 off just 111 balls against England at Lord’s on July 28, 1990. His innings was characterized by his wristy elegance and 22 boundaries. Despite his brilliant individual performance, India lost this high-scoring Test match.
4. Rahul Dravid (1 Century)
- 103 vs England, 2011 (Test): Dravid carried his bat with an unbeaten 103 in the first Test against England at Lord’s in July 2011. This was a classic Dravid innings, showcasing immense concentration and technique. Despite his monumental effort, India suffered a heavy defeat in the match.
5. Sourav Ganguly (1 Century)
- 131 vs England, 1996 (Test): Ganguly made a dream Test debut, scoring 131 against England at Lord’s on June 22, 1996. His elegant left-handed strokeplay, especially on the off-side, was a highlight. This century announced his arrival on the international stage, though the match ended in a draw.
6. Vinoo Mankad (1 Century)
- 184 vs England, 1952 (Test): Mankad scored a magnificent 184 against England at Lord’s in the second Test of the 1952 series. This remains the highest individual score by an Indian at Lord’s. His all-round performance in this match, including five wickets, earned it the moniker “Mankad’s Test,” despite India losing.
7. Ajinkya Rahane (1 Century)
- 103 vs England, 2014 (Test): Rahane scored a crucial 103 against England at Lord’s in July 2014. His counter-attacking century came when India was in a difficult position. This innings was instrumental in setting up India’s famous 95-run victory at the venue.
8. KL Rahul (1 Century)
- 129 vs England, 2021 (Test): Rahul scored a superb 129 against England at Lord’s in August 2021. His century, marked by composure and class, was part of a strong opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. This innings contributed significantly to India’s memorable 151-run victory.
9. Gundappa Vishwanath (1 Century)
- 113 vs England, 1979 (Test): Vishwanath scored 113 against England at Lord’s in the second Test of the 1979 series. This elegant century was part of a significant 210-run partnership with Dilip Vengsarkar. Their efforts helped India save the match from a difficult situation, resulting in a draw.
10. Ravi Shastri (1 Century)
- 100 vs England, 1990 (Test): Shastri scored exactly 100 runs off 184 balls against England in the first Test at Lord’s on July 28, 1990. This innings was part of a strong Indian first innings total of 454. Despite his century and Mohammad Azharuddin’s 121, India lost the match by 247 runs.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Here’s how England have fared in Test matches at Lord’s, London
Source link
