England vs. India: Player Ratings for Alastair Cook's XI After 2nd Test
England are now 1-0 down in the Test series against India after a loss by 95 runs at Lord’s.
It was a thoroughly disappointing game for the hosts, who now face a tough task to save the series.
As we reflect on the game at Lord’s, let’s take a look at which England players distinguished themselves and which did not.
Read on for ratings out of 10 for every England player, in batting order.
Alastair Cook: 4
1 of 11
It was another very depressing game for the beleaguered England captain, and Alastair Cook could muster just 39 runs across two innings.
Criticism of Cook is mounting, and it is unclear what his next move will be.
Sam Robson: 4
2 of 11
Two failures for Sam Robson made this game something of a reality check after a decent start to his Test career.
A Middlesex star, Robson will be disappointed not to have done more on his home ground.
Gary Ballance: 7
3 of 11
Rapidly becoming a dependable presence at No. 3, Gary Ballance’s 110 in the first innings pushed England’s total way above what it could have been.
A quiet accumulator of runs, he will be a little upset not to have made more than 27 the second time around.
Ian Bell: 4
4 of 11
Another whose place appears under threat is batsman Ian Bell, who once again flattered to deceive and was twice removed for low scores.
He never looks out of form when he bats, but Bell needs to start delivering or else he could find himself removed from the lineup.
Joe Root: 6
5 of 11
Perhaps England’s most assured batsman, Joe Root once again had a decent game, especially when compared to some of his colleagues.
His 66 in the second innings was a good effort on a difficult pitch, and he continues to grow in international cricket with every performance.
Moeen Ali: 5
6 of 11
Moeen Ali made two starts but could not quite push on when it counted.
He did take some good wickets with the ball, but he will have hoped for far better with the bat in his hand.
Liam Plunkett: 6
7 of 11
England’s prodigal son Liam Plunkett made an impact with the bat in this game as he scored his first-ever Test half-century.
He also took a few wickets in what was a decent return for the Durham man.
Matt Prior: 3
8 of 11
Conceding 36 byes and only managing 35 runs tells its own story for Matt Prior, who looks a shadow of the player he once was.
Perhaps time and injuries have caught up with England’s wicket-keeper, whose days at the top are surely numbered.
Ben Stokes: 4
9 of 11
A pair with the bat but wickets with the ball made this something of an inconsistent Test for Ben Stokes.
Brought in more for his batting than his bowling, he will want to do far more at the crease, especially with the top order’s propensity for collapses.
Stuart Broad: 5
10 of 11
One of England’s leading seamers, Stuart Broad looked like he was struggling a little with fitness problems and could take just three Indian scalps in the game.
The hosts need to be very careful with him if he is to avoid breaking down at some point.
James Anderson: 6
11 of 11
Vastly improved with the bat, James Anderson looked handy with the ball in the first innings but strangely neutered in the second.
He is another whose workload must be managed, or else the end of his career could be well on its way.
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