Ishant Sharma Delivered When India Needed Him to: Zaheer Khan
Ishant Sharma's 7 for 74 sealed a 95-run win for India at Lord's to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the five-match series against England.
Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is all praise for Ishant Sharma. The lanky Delhi pacer led from the front to guide India to only their second Test win at the Lord's cricket ground on Monday. Zaheer, a veteran of 92 Tests and 200 ODIs was happy with the way all the Indians exploited the English conditions at London.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV on Tuesday, the Zaheer spoke on how India clinically polished off England to win their first overseas Test since 2011. India won by 95 runs after England lost five second innings wickets for 33 runs in a dramatic post-lunch session.
"Ishant stepped up to the plate and ran in hard when his team required it the most. This victory will particularly be good for him as he is the senior bowler in the side," said Zaheer.
Ishant recorded his best bowling figures (7/74) in Tests to guide India to their first win at the 'Home of Cricket' since 1986. Zaheer was impressed by the way the 25-year-old used the short ball to good effect.
"When you want to win a Test match badly you do everything that is possible to put pressure on the opposition. Everyone was hungry to win the game and they kept on pushing at the English."
The 35-year-old Zaheer, who was India's most successful bowler on the 2007 tour of England, was surprised at how the hosts were unable to adjust in their own backyard and commended the Indians for making full use of the conditions. "Indian bowlers exploited the conditions well. It was good to see our bowlers rise to the occasion," he said.
India started the day needing six wickets to win and Ishant drew first blood when he removed Moeen Ali at the stroke of lunch. What followed was a severe batting collapse in the second session that saw the hosts plummet for 198/5 to 223 all out.
While Zaheer was pleased with India getting an early lead in the series, he did warn against taking it easy. He emphasised the fact that it was a long series and anything could happen. "I keep on repeating that there is still a long way to go in the series. The bowlers need to keep themselves fresh and stay fit for the upcoming matches."
India take on England in the third Test in Southampton which begins on July 27.