6 reasons behind India’s humiliating defeat at Lord’s

5. Contrasting weather conditions on different days of play

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Four

When India were put in to bat on the second day, it was a murky and overcast morning. The unrelenting drizzle on the first day of the Test and the overnight downpour had enforced the pitch to be under the covers for long. This had livened up the pitch. The ball was swinging and seaming around.

The frequent rain interruptions did not help India’s cause either. The batsmen had to switch off and switch on after every rain interruption. The recurrent rain interruptions helped the England bowlers to rejuvenate every now and then and then prolong with their battering.

When England batted on the third day, the sun was out in its full glory. The pitch was basking in the sun and the conditions were perfect for batting. Except for one or two minor breaks, the match progressed uninterrupted. This helped the English batsmen to concentrate better at the batting crease.

Again, when India batted in the second innings, it was back to gloomy weather and more rain. Conditions wise, the Indians were at a disadvantage all through the match.

There were times, as in the case of Pujara’s run out and in Rahane’s dismissal, play lasted for just one ball in between rain breaks and India managed to lose a wicket in that short duration of play.

The weather gods failed to smile on India in this match.