The summer of 2001 witnessed a confluence of cricketing history at Lord’s. Not only was it the 2000th Test match ever played, but it also marked the 100th Test between England and India. Adding to the occasion, it was Duncan Fletcher’s 100th Test as coach, and all eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar, who could potentially score his 100th international century on cricket’s most hallowed ground. But, Tendulkar was dismissed for 34 in the first inning by Stuart Broad, and on 12 in the second inning by James Anderson.
#OnThisDay in 2011, the 2000th Test in cricket history came to a conclusion in England’s favour.Kevin Pietersen smashed a spectacular 202* in the first innings at Lord’s to give the hosts a thumping 196-run win over India pic.twitter.com/vWU13av7io
— ICC (@ICC) July 25, 2020
However, the weight of these milestones seemed to cast a shadow on the opening day. The drama was limited to Zaheer Khan’s unfortunate hamstring injury, forcing him out of the Indian attack. This setback exposed a weakened India on day two.
Kevin Pietersen, on the other hand, revelled in the spotlight, scoring his first Test century at home in three years – a valiant 202 runs.
India fought back with Praveen Kumar’s impressive five-wicket haul. Rahul Dravid, ever the resolute batsman, stood tall with a fighting unbeaten hundred. Yet, despite these individual heroics, India couldn’t overcome a significant first-innings deficit.
The match sadly ended in a loss for India by 196 runs, the first of a concerning eight-match losing streak overseas.
Though the result wasn’t what India hoped for, the 2001 Lord’s Test remains a significant chapter in cricketing history. It was a stage set for legends, but ultimately, a reminder that even the most anticipated matches can be unpredictable affairs.
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