I'm so happy for Ishant Sharma: Sachin Tendulkar
The legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Ishant Sharma on his record-breaking spell of fast bowling at Lord’s that helped India beat England, and said that the team always had confidence in the bowler’s capabilities.
“I didn’t see the entire day’s play but made sure to catch the crunch moments. And I did watch Ishant Sharma’s spell. I’m so happy for him. I have seen him develop from close quarters over the years. He is a very hard-working guy and a great talent. We all have always had great faith in him and today he was just exceptional,” the ‘master blaster’ told Indian Express.
"Going into the final day, it was always going to be just a matter of time before the pressure got to them despite the two English batsmen having almost seen off the first session. There is nothing comparable to the pressure that you feel while batting on Day 5," Sachin said on England’s batting collapse in the second session. The home side lost its last 5 wickets for 25 runs against some short-pitch bowling.
"I remember telling my son Arjun that India had the upper-hand in the game after the first day's play at Lord's. Our boys put in a very creditable performance in the first Test and then followed it up by batting brilliantly on Day One on a testing pitch.
"I also felt that the key from the second day onwards was for them to capitalize on that start, to build on the foundation laid down by the batsmen and to keep the pressure on them. And they did just that," the highest run-scorer in international cricket said. India made 295 batting first on a green wicket and reduced England to 214 for 6 before they showed some resistance.
"Winning Tests in England is very special. What really stood out for me from this match was the number of performers we had across all five days. It reminded me of our wins in Johannesburg (2006) and Durban (2010). In both those games, everyone chipped in with special performances," the 41-year-old recalled. Tendulkar was also part of the side that won the last Test series in England in 2007.
"These are wonderful times but let's not think ahead," he concluded with a caution.
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