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Cricket Players'Siraj was a contender, but Rahul's knock was outstanding': Saba Karim on KL getting man of match award at Lord's
After India won to take a 1-0 lead in the match, KL Rahul, who had scored a century in the first innings, was given the man of the match award for his performance - raising questions from few corners on why Siraj was not rewarded for his final day showing.
Indian bowlers rose to the challenge at Lord's on the final day in the 2nd Test against England as they bowled out the hosts for 120 to win the match by 151 runs. India tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami added 89 runs for the 9th wicket before captain Virat Kohli declared the innings, setting a total of 271 for the hosts to chase.
The target was a difficult one, but the match could have easily ended in a draw if not for ruthless Indian pacers who rattled English batting from the first over itself. While pacer Jasprit Bumrah started the show, dismissing Rory Burns in the first over, the star with the ball on Day 5 was Mohammed Siraj - who picked four wickets in the innings.
After India won to take a 1-0 lead in the match, KL Rahul, who had scored a century in the first innings, was given the man of the match award for his performance - raising questions from few corners on why Siraj was not rewarded for his final day showing.
But former India wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim believes Rahul deserved to be credited with the award, and he explained why.
“He [Siraj] was definitely a contender but KL Rahul's knock was outstanding. India had to bat first in overcast conditions, there he had a partnership with Rohit Sharma, although he played a slow knock. As soon as Rohit Sharma got out, he accelerated after that and gave the platform to the Indian team in the first innings," Saba Karim told India News.
“We have discussed many times that whenever India scores more than 350 in the first innings, their chances of winning will increase. KL Rahul had a huge role in that. It was a wicket where other players struggled, only KL Rahul and Joe Root scored centuries, I feel because of that only KL Rahul was given the Man of the Match," he added.
The two teams will play the third Test at Leeds, starting from Wednesday next week.
