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Updated August 11th, 2018 at 09:46 IST

James Anderson, England rip apart India on Day 2 at Lord's

James Anderson was at his utmost best as England bowl out India for 107 in under 36 overs in the second Test at Lord's

Reported by: Narayan R
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"Expectation leads to disappointment." Well, the fans, especially Indian supporters, who flocked up at Lord's to witness the second Test between England and India have very little to be happy about. The 'Home of Cricket' produced a mere 35 overs in the first two days of play. Day One was washed out due to rain, and Day Two saw action taking place in patches. Though, from the very limited cricket supporters witnessed, there was drama.

Having won the toss, England skipper Joe Root decided to bowl first in overcast conditions. It was a pretty straightforward decision, given the hosts had included another fast-bowler in Chris Woakes. On the other side, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was disappointed having lost the toss, and knew a tough challenge awaited the visitors.

The first phase of cricket action saw only 6.3 overs bowled. But in that short span, England opening bowlers wrecked havoc. With the new ball and conditions favoring swing, James Anderson was all over the Indian batters. In the very first over, he dismissed Murali Vijay off a beauty. And England's leading wicket-taker got another two balls before the rain interception, when he got KL Rahul edging a swinging delivery to Jonny Bairstow.

After a two hour break, play resumed, and this time it lasted for less than two overs. But within this time span, calamity struck India. Cheteshwar Pujara, making a return to playing XI, was run-out after a mix-up with Kohli. The dismissal came on the stroke of another rain intervention, which was to last in excess of three hours.

Though, for once, conditions got better, and rest of the day went without any other stoppage. From that moment till the end, the England bowlers produced bowling masterclass. Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, who were at the crease during restart, were stitching a small partnership, much due to the aide of England fielders, who had butter fingers.

Woakes, in for Ben Stokes, troubled Kohli right from the moment he came to bowl. His first two overs went for maiden, as he kept creating chances. And his hard work was rewarded in the fourth ball of his third over, when the Indian skipper edged a ball to third slip, where Jos Buttler grabbed it.

India soon lost Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik in quick succession, and were left reeling at 62 for 6. But Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin played some glorious shots, and gave their fans something to cheer.

Though, it just took one more dismissal for India to fall like a pack of cards. Anderson dismissed Rahane for 18, and after that, the visitors lost their final three wickets for 23 runs. India were bowled out for a mere 107 in under 36 overs.

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Published August 11th, 2018 at 09:46 IST

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