HOW’S your week been? I had the pleasure of attending two days of the Second Test between England and India at Lord’s – including the tremendous finale on the fifth and final day.
 
As someone who’s been watching Test cricket in the flesh since the mid ’80s including parts of an Ashes tour down under, Monday’s events at the Home of Cricket were utterly spellbinding as well as being testament to the glorious game that is Test cricket.
 
The queues on the Wellington Road in NW8 before play started on that momentous last morning underlined the huge interest, as the sell-out crowd edged further forward to the turnstiles. Naturally the talk was of an England victory for Joe Root’s side, or at the very least, a tilt at a win over Virat Kohli’s touring side.
 
With India balanced on a precarious 186-6 at the close of the fourth day, the prospect loomed large of England skittling out the remaining four wickets. Thereby knocking off a total expected to be under 200 runs at the most, possibly far less if the exciting, nay, "Gilchristian” (after Australia’s legendary gloveman and explosive strokemaker as well as scourge of England, Adam Gilchrist) wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant fell early.
 
Pant did fall early, but what was to unfold was as unlikely as it was gripping.
 
Kudos has to go to tailenders Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah for their magnificent rearguard action that saw them put on an improbable 89 for the ninth wicket, in a partnership that changed the entire course of the match.
 
You knew you were watching something unusual when the spirited Shami reached his 50 off only 57 balls, with a lofted six.
 
There have been some incredible finishes to Test matches, but I can’t say I’ve been to many where the home side expected victory on the morning of the fifth day, only for the momentum of the game to change so wildly that the visitors actually triumphed.
 
After coming to the crease at 8-209, Bumrah (34*) and Shami (56*) put India in the driver’s seat with Kohli’s impudent and psychologically crushing declaration compounding matters, three overs after lunch at an astounding 8-298.
 
As events unfolded during that dramatic afternoon in front of “People’s Monday” crowd including thousands of wonderful India supporters, it is not hyperbole to say that Kohli’s final session triumph will go down as one of the greatest in their proud Test history – not to mention in the history of Test cricket full stop.
 
With the game in the balance, Jos Buttler fought all his attacking instincts by curbing his normally expansive hard hitting with a gritty 25 off 96 balls. Mohammed Siraj eventually snaffled him as part of his impressive 4-32, as it was England who wilted and subsided to 120 all out to complete India’s remarkable and fully deserved triumph.
 
To go from expected victory to humiliating defeat in the space of a day makes for astounding sport. You have to give huge credit to Kohli and his team as this series simmers nicely. Although you do fear that Root’s England will be shell shocked after their galling capitulation.
 
Yet, to think there are still three Tests to go is hugely exciting. I, for one, can’t wait for Headingley next week.
 
Speaking of cricket, don’t forget the England Women’s cricket team are taking on New Zealand in five ODIs and three T20s from September 1. Tickets are on sale now.
 
PS. The new issue of the Gooner Fanzine hits the streets this weekend for Arsenal vs Chelsea. I’ll be selling before the match in my usual place under the arches on the Hornsey Road, so please do stop me and buy one – I’m also happy to talk all things sport, music and politics.
 
As an aside, I covered Stevenage’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of a vibrant Bradford City side at Valley Parade in midweek with my regional journalist’s hat on. Whether I’m at a game as a punter or a journo, I always seek out the local fanzine seller.

I have to say I was gobsmacked in meeting the wonderful City Gent seller John. We had a great chat, and he told me he actually subscribed to the Gooner to help boost our fight for survival last spring. To have a complete stranger 250 miles from home tell me that what we’re doing was worth fighting for left me completely gobsmacked. To say I was blown away with his kind gesture was an understatement.

That’s how powerful – and important – football solidarity is. And how utterly moving, too. I will be reciprocating with the City Gent to say thank you. Because, in this age of frenzied immediacy allied with hysterical incoherence, there still has to be a place for measured, intelligent and considered writing in print.
 
What I’m (re)watching this week: Out of the Ashes. The incredible story of the Afghanistan cricket team which was made a decade ago. Wonderfully warm, sometimes jarring, but always mesmerising. Made poignant by the events of this week, you can feel your heart break as you watch.