England vs India 2018: Lord's Test Match is the Most Important in the Series - Gautam Gambhir

Ahead of the second test at Lord’s, the veteran Indian opener, Gautam Gambhir warns India to come good at this particular venue. He feels that the Test fixture will be a make or break match for visitors in the ongoing five-match series.

Delhi-based Gambhir feels that there were only a few instances when a specific team won all the last three games on a trot. Statistically, England was the last team to do such when they were down to 1-0 in 2014.

For India, I feel this is the most important Test: Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir reiterated that India should not let go the Lords’ test. He thinks that the second game in a five-match series always holds the key as winning the last three games in Test cricket has always been a tough ask.

The veteran opener warned that they should make use of their best resources to make the things go in favour of India. Gambhir wants India to look after spin conditions as Lord’s traditionally offers assistance for spinners.

”This Test is the most important match in the series. If you are 1-0 down and can’t make a comeback in this Test match and this match goes the other way…as far as I remember, very few teams are there, who have won three matches in a row,” India Today quoted Gambhir as saying.

”In 2014, England were 1-0 down after two Test matches. The first Test was a draw, they lost at Lord’s and they won three in a row. For India I feel this is the most important Test,” the southpaw said.

“The weather conditions and Lord’s wicket, which is generally dry and of what we saw in one-day cricket from Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, I think this is India’s best opportunity to win because, after this, the weather will cool down as September approaches. So, this is the make or break of the series,” he added.

If you can’t chase down 193, something is seriously wrong: Gambhir Gambhir

The opener also urged Indian batsmen to live up to the expectations and contribute for the team. He wants to have five bowlers in the side but the lack of batting ability will certainly can’t help the things.

If India plays their best five bowlers, that will give them the best chance to win this Test match. At the same time, your batsmen need to make runs. You can’t expect to get out at 200 and your bowlers bring you back each time in the game. It was Sam Curran, who made runs, otherwise, England were 70/7 (87/7). But, if you can’t chase down 193, something is seriously wrong,” Gambhir remarked.

“You played one extra all-rounder in Hardik Pandya and despite that, you couldn’t chase down the total…so, I feel, there is a definitely a need to retrospect somewhere,” he concluded.

However, it would be interesting to see how India would perform in the Lord’s Test. However, Gautam Gambir is optimistic about India coming good against England.

With Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin performing well, the other players in the side are due to show their skills.