Rahul, who was the sole centurion for the visitors at Lord’s, took to social media to reflect on the narrow defeat, saying some games are “more than wins and losses.”
Photo: IANS
As the dust settles on the Lord’s Test, and the focus shifts to the fourth match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, KL Rahul is yet to get over from the agonising 22-run loss to England, that gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage heading into the penultimate game at Old Trafford.
Rahul, who was the sole centurion for the visitors at Lord’s, took to social media to reflect on the narrow defeat, saying some games are “more than wins and losses.”
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Rahul, alongside vice-captain Rishabh Pant, were at the receiving end of England’s testing spells early on Day 5. After Pant’s wickets were castled over by Jofra Archer, Rahul was trapped in front by Ben Stokes, triggering India’s collapse. Despite a fighting unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja, India were eventually restricted to 170 in their pursuit of 193.
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“Some games are more than wins or losses. They test your spirit, your character and the learnings make you stronger,” Rahul posted on his social media handle.
India look to end Manchester jinx
Stung by the loss at Lord’s despite being in a comfortable position at various stages of the third Test, India now face the dual challenge of halting England’s momentum and breaking their own psychological barrier of never winning a Test in nine attempts at Old Trafford.
India’s first Test appearance at the iconic ground was in 1936, and the last time India featured at the venue was during their tour of England in 2014. It also means that playing a Test match in Manchester will be a fresh experience for most members of the current Indian squad.
For the hosts, Old Trafford remains one of their happy hunting grounds, and Ben Stokes’ men will definitely look to tighten their grip over the series at the venue. England have played 84 Tests at Old Trafford, winning 33 games, while losing 15, and drawing 36 matches.
India will need to be extra cautious against England’s premier batter Joe Root, whose form and record at Old Trafford makes for a formidable read. Root has amassed 978 runs in 11 Tests at the venue, including a double century and seven half-centuries and a highest score of 254.
After scoring his 37th Test century at Lord’s, Root will again be central to England’s hopes at Old Trafford. For India, the challenge is clear, overturn poor historical record, keep Root on a tight leash, and keep the series alive.
While the upcoming Test at Manchester presents a must-win scenario for India, Gill & Co can take solace from the fact that they broke through fortress Edgbaston not so long ago, when they became the first Asian team to win a Test match in Birmingham earlier in the month.
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