India’s first-ever Test win at Lord’s in 1986, led by Kapil Dev and headlined by Dilip Vengsarkar’s legendary knock, remains a golden chapter in cricket. Relive the unforgettable moment that shook England.
When Lord’s Became Indian Territory
It was the year 1986. The venue? None else than the Mecca of cricket, Lord’s. Kapil Dev was on his war muster with India into England and no one would stop the Asiatic train. With the First Test to kick-off at Lord’s, what unfolded at the three-Test series transformed Indian cricket. Just till then, the Lord’s had only shown heartache to India. But in June that changed extra huge.
Kapil’s Call: Bowl First, Make History Later
Kapil won the toss and decided to bowl first — a gutsy call in overseas playing conditions. England appeared to be steady to start, thanks to 114 from Graham Gooch and 63 from Derek Pringle pushing them to 294 first wicket. India had a strategy though. England began the day with Chetan Sharma, taking wickets in bunches and loosening the English floor.
Vengsarkar’s Willow Weaves Magic
India’s reply wasn’t only run. It was poetry. Dilip Vengsarkar walks in and pours the green of Lord’s with his beautiful 126-run Lord’s composition. His third one-day century at Lord’s, a record which nobody else had managed to reach before — and nobody has since (39 years) So far. India posted 341, a hefty lead of 47 runs for their innings.
Kapil’s Roar and England’s Fall
In the second innings, the Indian bowlers lit up red hot. With the 4-wicket strike of Kapil Dev and a 3-fer by Maninder Singh, England were all out for just 180 runs. Pitch, the pressure, the moment… everything was shaped in India’s favor. The blue team had to chase 134 in the men’s innings.
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Victory Sealed, Legacy Born
India chipped in steely nerves and steady hands to win from just five wickets in the Super Over. Once more, Vengsarkar was again the tallest man in scoring as he smashed 33 vital runs — he was the top scorer even in the fourth innings. It was more than just a five-wicket win for India — the five (Lord’s Test win) was emotion, they had never won a test there!
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Series Clinched, Pride Unmatched
India didn’t end there. The second Test at Headingley was a thoroughgoing tumble for 279 runs victory. Third was at Edgbaston and finished in a draw. Countdown to that last call? India won 2-0 in England achieving the dream.
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Even today, when the name Lord’s is whispered in Indian cricket circles, it echoes with Vengsarkar’s bat and Kapil’s roar.