The cricket correspondent Colin Bateman remarked that "for 23 years he plied his trade with Essex, becoming the finest left-arm pace bowler in the country.
Lever finished the match with bowling figures of 10–70, another English debutant's record, which he enhanced with a half century while giving banter.
In the warm-up match against Western Province, Lever broke down after bowling two balls, and subsequent X-rays showed a curvature in his spine.
Due to his involvement in the rebel tour, Lever was banned from representing England for three years, but continued to play well for Essex.
In India's first innings, Lever had Dilip Vengsarkar caught behind on 61, then trapped captain Kapil Dev in front next ball.