England Dominate The Early Proceedings At Lords (First Innings Review)

The first test of the series between the two top Cricket teams in the world was as thrilling as most fans had anticipated. On an overcast day at Lords, the Indian captain Dhoni won the toss and without any hesitation put England into bat first. The England team were unchanged from the side that beat Sri Lanka earlier in the summer, whilst the Indians had one noticeable absence at the top order in Sehwag.
After a steady start by Cook and Strauss, the experienced Zaheer Khan began to take charge with the ball, removing both the openers with the score on 62. This brought to the crease the partnership of Trott and Pietersen which was to prove vital for England. Trott made a very solid 70, whilst KP stole the limelight with a blistering 202 not out. Pietersen along the way received excellent support from Bell (45) Prior (73) and Swann (24). England then declared their innings with a total of 474. India's pick of the bowlers was Kumar, who put his name on the Lords honours board with figures of 5-106. The biggest blow to the Indians despite the target they now had to chase, was that their talisman bowler Zaheer Khan picked up a leg injury, and would be unable to bowl for the rest of the game.
India began their reply with Mukund replacing Sehwag at the top of the order alongside Gambhir. This however did not last long as Gambhir was removed by Broad for just 15. After this, India built towards a steady total with Mukund and Dravid setting a solid foundation before Mukund played onto his stumps from Broad whilst on 49. This brought out Sachin Tendulkar onto the Lords turf in what may prove to be the 'little masters' last test match he will play here at the home of cricket. He received, as anticipated, a rapturous welcome from the sell-out crowd.
Tendulkar made a very solid start to his innings and went about his business with effortless ease in the middle. Whilst on 34 he played a delivery from the rejuvenated Broad and was caught behind by Prior. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Indians, and from that point on the wickets tumbled on a regular basis. Raul Dravid however refused to be moved, and made a superb unbeaten 103 amongst the carnage. India were bowled out for a total of 286, and whilst managing to avoid the follow on, still conceded a large first innings lead to England.
Stuart Broad was the main focus for the England bowling attack. He can be very pleased with his contribution of 4-37, after having to fight for his place in this game due to his poor form earlier in the summer. His performance, along with Chris Tremlett (3-80) meant that India would have an uphill struggle if they want to save the match from this point.

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