Washington Sundar’s bowling masterclass and KL Rahul’s historic century have put India on the brink of series victory against England at Lord’s. The all-rounder’s economical spell of 1/21 from 10 overs created relentless pressure, while Rahul joined an elite group with his second ton at the iconic venue.
Sundar’s transformation into India’s most reliable containing spinner abroad has silenced critics who doubted his red-ball credentials. Meanwhile, Rahul’s 100 off 177 balls demonstrated technical brilliance against England’s aggressive short-ball tactics.
With India needing 7 wickets on the final day, can they convert individual excellence into a series-clinching triumph? The answer may lie in Sundar’s ability to maintain his magical spell and Rahul’s leadership in the field.
- Washington Sundar delivered a match-turning bowling spell of 1/21 with an exceptional economy rate of 2.10, creating pressure that triggered England’s middle-order collapse at Lord’s.
- KL Rahul made history by becoming the first Indian in nearly 30 years to score multiple Test centuries at Lord’s, joining Dilip Vengsarkar in this elite achievement with his 177-ball 100.
- India’s aggressive declaration tactics and disciplined bowling attack have put them in prime position to secure a series victory, though rain forecasts on the final day could complicate their plans.
Washington Sundar’s Brilliant Bowling and KL Rahul’s Century Power India Toward Series Victory Over England
Washington Sundar’s Masterclass in Bowling Precision
The third Test between India and England witnessed Washington Sundar delivering one of his finest bowling performances in Test cricket. With remarkable figures of 10-1-21-0 at Lord’s, Sundar demonstrated why he’s becoming India’s most reliable spinner in overseas conditions. His economy rate of 2.10 put relentless pressure on England’s batsmen, creating opportunities for the pace bowlers at the other end.
Sundar’s ability to maintain a tight line while varying his pace makes him particularly effective on English pitches. Unlike many spinners who struggle in these conditions, Sundar thrives by focusing on containment rather than attacking wickets. This disciplined approach proved crucial in India’s strategy to wear down England’s batting lineup over long periods.
The Technical Brilliance Behind Sundar’s Bowling
Breaking down Sundar’s technique reveals several key strengths:
- Consistent arm speed that disguises variations in pace
- Optimal use of the crease to create different angles
- Precise length that forces batsmen to play forward
- Subtle changes in revolutions to alter the degree of turn
KL Rahul’s Historic Century at Lord’s
KL Rahul’s masterful 100 off 177 balls marked a historic achievement at Lord’s, making him the first Indian in nearly three decades to score multiple centuries at this iconic venue. His innings combined solid defense with crisp attacking shots, particularly through the off-side where he found 13 of his 15 boundaries.
The century was especially significant considering Rahul’s journey back into Test cricket after being primarily seen as a white-ball specialist. His transformation demonstrates remarkable adaptability and mental toughness, qualities that are serving India well in this series.
Key Moments in Rahul’s Innings
The century wasn’t without its dramatic moments:
| Phase | Runs | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| First Session | 28* | Survived Root’s bowling |
| Second Session | 47 | Counterattacked against Wood |
| Final Session | 25 | Reached century before declaration |
The Battle for Series Supremacy
With India needing just seven wickets on the final day to secure victory, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this Test match. The bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and supported by Sundar’s tight spells, will look to capitalize on the pressure built throughout the match.
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