NEW DELHI: Despite India’s narrow 22-run loss at Lord’s, former India captain Anil Kumble praised the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as a shining example of why Test cricket remains so compelling. With England now leading the five-match series 2-1, Kumble highlighted the quality of cricket seen so far.India had bounced back strongly in the second Test after a five-wicket defeat in the series opener at Leeds. A composed bowling effort and sharper fielding saw them bowl England out for 271 on the final day and seal a convincing win with over a session remaining.However, England edged ahead again by clinching a tense 22-run win on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s to go 2-1 up in the series.
“This is a great advertisement for Test cricket. All three Tests have gone down to the wire, and both teams have fought brilliantly. Yes, the scoreline says 2-1 to England, but if you look at session-wise performances, it’s been even. India should feel confident heading into the next two Tests. They’ve already bounced back from a loss in the first Test.
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“This match came down to fine margins—like Pant’s run-out before lunch, the extras, and perhaps letting Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse score freely. Those key moments—India will need to grab them in the next game if they want to level the series,” Kumble said on JioHostar.
India’s defeat at Lord’s now ranks as their fourth narrowest loss in Test cricket in terms of runs.Recalling a similar heartbreak, Kumble reflected on India’s 12-run loss to Pakistan in Chennai in 1999, a match in which he played.Siraj’s dismissal to Shoaib Bashir on the final day at Lord’s bore similarities to Javagal Srinath’s dismissal in that 1999 Test, when he was bowled by Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.“I was just reminded of one Test match where India lost by 12 runs against Pakistan in Chennai. It was a similar kind of dismissal. Just 22 runs. Jadeja left stranded. I mean, he planned to get India this close to winning. But England just stuck to their task. I guess the previous over from Jofra Archer certainly rattled Siraj.“It’s not like he was looking to take the bowler on, but the silly point coming in added pressure. Thought that was a great chance to pull off a historic win. But that’s what it should be for India—despite losing by 22 runs, there are a lot of positives,” he added.
