Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison reckons India would have won the Lord’s Test against England comfortably if Virat Kohli had been part of the team. India could not chase down 193 runs in the second innings and suffered a heartbreaking 22-run loss, to concede a 1-2 lead in the series.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement on May 12 amid IPL 2025. Kohli had managed only three centuries in the last five years and was averaging around 30. Furthermore, the former Indian captain could only manage 190 runs in five Test matches against Australia at an average of 23.75.
Kohli ended his career with 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85.
Steve Harmison said on ESPN Cricinfo, “India has scored more hundreds, more top-order runs, and more new ball wickets, but England has got a knack of finding a way to win. Finding a way of creating an event throughout a session to change the course of the game.
“For me, India has to start believing. This is where the likes of Virat Kohli were unbelievable. In a fourth innings chase, he goes and wins the game comfortably. He would have won that game comfortably at Lord’s.”
On the other hand, former England captain Nasser Hussain said India needs to find another chase master after Virat Kohli’s retirement.
“No Virat Kohli, he’s retired, he was the king of run chases. India need to find a new one that will see them over the line,” Hussain said on commentary for Sky Sports on Monday, July 14.
India could not get over the line despite Ravindra Jadeja scoring 61 runs off 181 balls. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj played 54 and 30 balls respectively, but their valiant efforts went in vain.
The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.
