Asian domination continues at Lord's

For the past three years, Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have dominated in Lord’s cricket ground against England.

England has played four Tests against India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in recent years at Lord’s in which the hosts have lost two matches against India and Pakistan and managed to draw against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka versus England in Lord’s 2014 (Match Drawn)
It was an unforgettable series for Sri Lanka as they won Twenty 20 (1-0), One day (3-2) and Test (1-0) against England.

It was the first Test of the series. England loss the toss and they put to bat first by Sri Lanka in a cloudy morning. Though England loss early wickets Joe Root steadied the innings and went on to make his highest Test score of 200.

England to set a huge total of 575. In reply to that the visitors made 453 thanks to efforts of Kumar Sangakkara who scored 147. In second innings England scored 267 and set a target of 390.

Chasing 390 the Lankans lost wickets and secured a draw in the last over of the fifth day. Sri Lanka grabbed the series (1-0) by winning second Test in Headingley by 100 runs.

India versus England in Lord’s 2014 (India Won by 95 runs)
This was the first time since 1959 that India had played five Test matches on an England tour. Trent Bridge hosted first Test match and it ended in a draw. The second Test match was played in Lord’s.

England won the toss and inserted India on a Green Wicket and soon had them reeling at 145/7 in the second session of match. However a century by Rahane led India to 295. England rode on Ballance’s second Test century to take a narrow lead.

Fifties from Jadeja and Bhuvanesh in second innings meant England required 319 to win the Test. India continued to trouble England with relentless short bowling and Ishant Sharma’s seven-wicket haul grabbed a memorable win for MS Dhoni and co. This was India’s first overseas win for three years in Tests.

Sri Lanka versus England in Lord’s 2016 (Match Drawn)
In the third Test, England won the toss and did not hesitate to bat first on green pitch and dominated every session. Bairstow played a genuine knock and scored 167, the highest score for England keeper. He helped England to post a total of 467.

Sri Lanka only managed to score 288 runs in reply to their first innings score and trailed by 128 runs.

England set a target of 360 for the Lankans, declaring their second innings on 233 with the loss of seven wickets.

Sri Lanka came with a positive mindset but the interruption of rain on day four and five restricted the hosts to bowl only 30 overs. Sri Lanka scored 75 loss of two wickets resulted in a draw.

Pakistan versus England in Lord’s 2016 (Pakistan won by 75 runs)
In the first Test, Pakistan chalked up a memorable win.

The series will be notable for comeback of Mohammed Amir. Pakistan elected to bat first and managed to score a total of 339 runs with the help of Misbah who scored 100 and become the third oldest to score century in Tests.

Chasing 282 England were not in the game for most of the session, losing wickets at regular intervals but the 50-run partnership from Bairstow and Woakes teased Pakistan. Bairstow’s loss of concentration against Yasir sealed the deal and made victory memorable for Pakistan.