mid-day lists five talking points from the second Test between England and India at the Mecca of cricket. The visitors won by 151 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series
England bowler James Anderson (left) and India captain Virat Kohli on Day Four of the second Test at Lord's in London on Sunday. PIC/Getty Images
Kohli-Anderson spat
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India captain Virat Kohli and England pacer James Anderson got involved in a verbal battle during the first session of the fourth day's play on Sunday. Kohli had a war of words with the veteran pacer in the 17th over of India's second innings (Anderson's ninth over). He was heard saying on the stump mic, “You swearing at me again are you? This isn’t your f***ing backyard.” The skipper continued in the same over, “Chirp chirp chirp. This is what old age makes you do.”
Ball-tampering accusation
An England player stopping the ball with his spikes and sparked a ball-tampering debate on social media after the video went viral on Day Four. Footage from the match showed one player passing the ball to another, who inserted his spikes on the ball. Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour, however, put a halt to the controversy, saying the team felt it wasn't deliberate.
Pujara cheered for his first run off 35 balls
Cheteshwar Pujara has been recently criticised for his slow batting approach. That, however, didn't seem to affect the India No. 3 batsman as he continued playing his natural, defensive game. The Saurashtra batsman took 35 balls to get off the mark in India's second innings on Sunday and received a big cheer from the Lord's crowd. Pujara, known for his patience, frustrated the England bowlers by sharing a 100-run stand with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for the fourth wicket after the visitors were in dire straits at 55-3.
Shami goes past Tendulkar, Kohli at Lord's
Mohammed Shami scored an unbeaten 56 to take the match away from England on the final day. In this process, the Indian pacer, who came in to bat at No.9, has scored more runs than the likes of Kohli (42), batting greats Sachin Tendulkar (37) and Ricky Ponting (42) in an innings at Mecca of Cricket. This unique feat should boost Shami's confidence while batting in the upcoming matches.
Root continues his fine form
Joe Root continued his sublime form with yet another century this year as the England captain went on to score his second consecutive ton against India after his 64 and 109 in the first Test at Nottingham. The right-handed batsman has been in terrific form this year, smashing five tons, including two double centuries and has amassed 1277 runs in 10 Tests at an healthy average of 67.21.
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