What should be an ideal target for Team India at Lord’s?

For the very first time in the ongoing IND vs ENG series, the home side after winning the toss, opted to bat first. That meant, India would have to chase on the Lord’s pitch, that could play a trick or two. Currently, at lunch on day 4, the hosts lead by 98, and are four wickets down. So, the question is bound to arise, as to what would be an ideal target for Team India?

Historically at Lord’s

Truth be told, India would fancy their chances, with anything under 300. But then, they also need to realise, there is a Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith standing between that dream. Having said that, Insidesport also takes a look at the last 5 scores managed by teams at Lord’s, batting fourth.

In the World Test Championships final, South Africa chased down 282 for the loss of five wickets. Then, in 2024, the Sri Lankan team managed 292 in the last innings, while trying to chase 483, and lost by 190 runs. In the match prior to that, England faced the West Indies in July 2024, and the match didn’t reach the fourth innings. WI lost by an innings and 114 runs.

Shubman Gill Would be Pleased With..

If we go further back, in Ashes 2023, Australia won the match by 43 runs, as England were set a target of 371 runs. They were bundled out for 327, despite Ben Stokes scoring 155. And lastly, in the June 2023 encounter between England and Ireland, the hosts were set a target of 11, and won by 10 wickets.

So, going by that record, under 300 is the figure that the Shubman Gill & Co. must be looking at. Anything beyond 350 will be tricky, and maybe impossible to get. 300 would also be the target, that would keep the Indians interested in the chase, and hence might go for the runs, on the last day. Again, that is provided ENG reach that far.

One of the factors in the chase would be, the fitness of Rishabh Pant. He is nursing a finger injury, and wasn’t the most comfortable in his innings of 74. So, the bowlers have a clear job at their hand.