News Sports Cricket Ishant Sharma, from a Joke to Hero at Lord's

Ishant Sharma, from a Joke to Hero at Lord's

New Delhi: When Ishant Sharma toured Australia he was just 19. He caught the eyes of cricket fans for his with long hair and jagling necklaces and of course his unusual height not associated with


 

Having been told by his captain to abandon his traditional line and length, Ishant bowled bouncer after bouncer. England accepted the bait and - one after another - hooked and pulled the ball to the hands of gleeful fielders standing in the deep.

It may have been a collective suicide on England's part, but huge credit is also due to Ishant. In baking heat on a fifth day pitch and with an 80-over old ball, he banged the ball in short with relentless energy and passion.

In his last seven overs he took five wickets for 27 runs and won the match, using tactics very rarely associated with an Indian bowler. He outdid the English at their own game.