Published: Jul 18, 2016, 03:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 18, 2016, 06:29 PM (IST)
Pakistan’s emphatic win against England at Lord’s in the first match of four-Test series was not just a normal victory by an overseas team. It was a victory which sent the message aloud that this iconic venue of Lord’s Cricket Ground in the city of London is no more England’s home ground. Yes, it is a fact which cannot be denied that Lord’s is in England, but this venue is also called as ‘Home of Cricket’ and there is some valid reason behind it. Owned by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the ground was established way back in 1814 and is said to be the world’s oldest sporting museum and probably that is the reason behind this venue being called as ‘Home of Cricket’. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: England vs Pakistan , 1st Test match at Lord’s
Pakistan’s iconic win in the first Test at this iconic venue had plenty of memorable moments. Starting with Mohammad Aamer’s return to Tests after facing the 5-year ban because of his involvement in spot-fixing scandal in 2010 and then followed by Pakistan’s captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s first century at Lord’s, which was marked by a unique celebration with a salute and push-ups. After Misbah, it was England pacer Chris Woakes’ turn to shine, as he took his career’s maiden six-wicket haul at this venue which was followed by another bowler taking six-for in the match. He was none other than the much-talked about leg-spinner Yasir Shah. The entire English batting line-up struggled against him and that led to their fall in the match.
After the Englishmen faltered in the chase, the most iconic moment of this great match came when the Pakistan team celebrated in a rare and unusual manner. The entire team did push-ups and then saluted their national army. This moment not only announced their victory in style, but also raised a question as to whether Lord’s really is a home venue for England or not? This has not happened for the first time in the history of Lord’s where a visiting side has trounced England. But there is something about this win that suggests Lord’s should be called as a venue which any team can consider as their home ground. After all, it is cricket’s own home ground. Before Pakistan, many other teams, especially Australia, have won in similar emphatic style at Lord’s against England. Also Read: Open letter from a Pakistan cricket fan
Going by the history of Lord’s, the very first Test was played in 1884 between England and Australia, in which the visiting side was beaten by an innings and five runs. Australia’s first Test win at Lord’s came in 1888. And from 1934 till 2009, England never won a single match against the Australian side at Lord’s and that shows that they were never a dominant side when it comes to this iconic venue which happens to be their home ground. England beat many teams during that time but it is a fact that Australia were overall the toughest opponent among other teams from 1934-2009 in Tests. Also Read: Nightmares at Lord’s: England’s harrowing defeats since 2014
This was just a glimpse of the history of England’s show at Lord’s, but as I wrote earlier, there is something special about this particular win, which makes me believe that Lord’s is a global neutral venue now. In 2010, it took away everything from Pakistan cricket, its grace, and its pride. But six years later, it gave back all that it took from the visiting side, acting as a perfect home ground. Six years ago, Lord’s was the scene of crime when Pakistan’s three top cricketers were involved in the spot-fixing scandal, including the comeback man Aamer. It was the day when many thought that Test cricket might come to an end in Pakistan. But thanks to Lord’s and the visiting side’s overall good performance which helped them getting back what they had lost in 2010.
Also, Pakistan’s comeback into Tests was like a fairytale as it was Aamer who began it all in 2010 and in 2016, he was the man to put an end to it by taking the final wicket of the match which ensured Pakistan’s victory. Looking at the overall things, like Pakistan’s comeback, England’s own record at Lord’s, I have no hesitation in saying that this is not the home ground for the English side. And as we know, Lord’s is the ‘Home of Cricket’, so it should be called as the home for any Test cricket playing nation not only for England just because it is situated there.
(Abhishek Kumar is a cricket devotee currently staffing with Criclife.com. He can be followed on Twitter @abhik2593 and on Facebook at abhicricket.kumar)
