India, July 8 -- England have played 145 out of their 555 home Tests at Lord's. It's remarkable that the aura surrounding Thomas Lord's old cricket ground has endured 141 years into its existence as a Test venue. Shubman Gill, after winning his first Test as India captain at Edgbaston, spoke about the "excitement and honour" he felt leading for the first time at Lord's.

Gill is among half of India's expected playing eleven that would not have stepped foot at the storied venue before. A walk through the Long Room where formally dressed members politely applaud the players and portraits of past greats adorn the wall can evoke a sense of occasion for Gill as he walks out to bat.

Most cricketers who have played at Lord's swear by the pristi...