England vs India: First look of the Lord’s wicket is nothing but green

England and India are gearing up to take on each other in the second Test of the five-match series at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Stadium in London. With the first match resulting in a draw, the series still stands at 0-0. Hence, both teams must be raring to register the first win on the board. Also, winning at the Mecca of Cricket is a milestone in itself.

Meanwhile, the fast bowlers are expected to have a party in the Lord’s Test with the track wearing a green sheet a couple of days before the game. On Monday (August 10), renowned sports journalist Elizabeth Ammon took to Twitter and shared glimpses of the Lord’s track where India and England will battle it out. From the looks of it, it seemed a lush-green surface having a lot of movement for fast bowlers.

There’s your Lord’s pitch two days out. It’s 22 yards of grass. What do you want from me? pic.twitter.com/ji4zr7eTUM

— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) August 10, 2021

Notably, the second game gets underway on Thursday (August 11). Hence, one can expect some shaves on the surface before the final battle. However, it’s quite certain that the fast bowlers of either side will have a significant role to play. At the same time, batters will have to work harder to get runs on this surface.

Pitches again in focus

Notably, pitch conditions created a lot of hullaballoo when England traveled to India earlier this year. English batters struggled constantly in spin-friendly conditions as Virat Kohli’s men walked away with a comfortable 3-1 triumph. Hence, it has been expected that England will return the favour by preparing green tops. The Trent Bridge track also had a lot for fast bowlers during the first Test.

However, the conditions went against England as they got bundled out for mere 183 runs despite opting to bat first. Moreover, India posted 278 runs in their first innings, earning a substantial 95-run lead in the innings. The equation even came down to the visitors needing 157 runs on the final day with nine wickets in hand. However, rain played a spoilsport, and the game ended in a draw.

Hence, England management might be a bit reluctant in preparing green tracks as India’s bowling attack is nothing but daunting.  Nevertheless, batters of both teams must be prepared for a stiff challenge.