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India aim to master Lord's conditions

Ajinkya Rahane laments batting mistakes as James Anderson sets example for India seamers to follow in second Test

Ajinkya Rahane is confident India's bowlers can fight back against England, but they will not enjoy the same favourable weather conditions that saw the home side's bowlers dominate on Friday.

Rahane, India's vice-captain, suggested England owed much to the weather conditions after bowling India out for 107 on the second day of a rain-affected Test match at Lord's.

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Day three, however, is to be played under bright blue skies. 

It is bright and sunny at the @HomeOfCricket and we will have the third day's play starting on time. #TeamIndia #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/sz8psFUiXR


A masterful spell of bowling from James Anderson exploited conditions to perfection with 5-20 from 13.2 overs, including the wicket of Rahane who was caught by Cook for 18.

"They used the conditions really well. I thought the wicket, because of the weather, we cannot control," Rahane told reporters at Lord's.

"First half, when the game was on and off, it was difficult for batting team to switch on and off.

"But when you play at the highest level, no excuses. I would like to give credit to the English bowling team – Anderson, Stuart Broad and others – they bowled really well as a unit.

Drop one, catch one. Drop one, catch one.

"I felt we were right there, skill wise. We have to bowl well, and our bowling unit is doing well. If weather permits, I am sure our bowlers will bowl in the right areas well.

"Cricket is a funny game, we still have to back ourselves and get a positive mindset back."

Rahane said India's attack, led by pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, would have learned from Anderson's approach that made the most of the famous Lord's slope.

"These were definitely challenging conditions. Anderson did not bowl a short ball. He was just bowling at same spot – a four or five metre length – and that is really crucial on this wicket," Rahane said.

"If you are bowling that length, you've got to bowl consistently, then as a batsman you have to leave the ball or back your methods consistently.

"It is all about patience on these conditions and trusting your methods and backing your ability."

Despite the low total and with conditions set to improve for the last three days of the Test (the first day was a complete washout), Rahane said there was no excuses for another poor batting effort.

Image Id: 7C2C78640C3842329674F5ED8315C105 Image Caption: Anderson removed Rahane // Getty

"You cannot be too harsh on yourself as an individual and team when you get conditions like this," Rahane said. "You have to back yourself as a player and team.

"I don't think you can get any more challenging conditions than this, especially with the Dukes ball in these weather conditions.

"But as a batsman you have to back your ability. It is all about intent out there, of not only scoring runs but also leaving the ball and defending well.

"As a batsman it is always a challenge to come here and play against this kind of attack.

"You have to accept your mistake. Acceptance is the key, I think, when you play in England.

"It's not about getting caught behind, even run out, but you have got to accept your mistake and move on.

Image Id: 53920C5AE7FF4CBAB4EE7AFBDCD23910 Image Caption: Anderson salutes his 5-20 // Getty

"The quicker we learn from our mistakes, the better for us. I am sure everyone will learn from this innings and there is a long way to go in this match as well as the series."

India's woeful day was underlined by a horror mix-up between captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, which saw the latter run out for 1 by England debutant Ollie Pope. It was Pujara's third run out in the past four Test matches.

"It definitely hurts as a teammate, and I am sure even Pujara will be upset about his run out," Rahane said.

"The run out definitely hurt us and the weather after that, too. I think we did not get to play for 3-4 hours, so definitely as a team you feel really bad."