Former India batter Aakash Chopra criticizes England’s batting in the India series. England’s poor form persisted as they were bundled for 218 in their first innings in Dharamsala Test. Aakash Chopra via his commentary has always been vocal about Bazball’s failure in Indian conditions.
After a terrible showing with the bat throughout the series, England’s lackluster batting form persisted in the fifth Test, as they were dismissed for 218 runs in their first innings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The Indian spinners, spearheaded by a brilliant spell from Kuldeep Yadav, launched an onslaught against the visitors. England were bowled out within 58 overs in the first innings, with only Zak Crawley showing composure at the crease with his innings of 79 off 108 balls.
In his latest tweet, Aakash Chopra acknowledged Kuldeep’s brilliance while also highlighting England’s trend of low scores across the five Tests so far.
What is this performance?- Aakash Chopra furious on England’s batters
Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that England’s Test team must reflect on performances following their poor run in the ongoing five match test series vs India.
Chopra pointed out that how England made some bold statements ahead of the series. but failed to back them with on field performances. Assessing the visitors on field effort in the tour , Aakash Chopra commented in his latest Youtube video :
“Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, swear to God, what is this performance? They need some soul-searching at this stage. England need to introspect. They make bold claims, but it’s like unchi dukhan, feeka pakwan (Fancy shop, tasteless food),”
England’s widely-known Bazball strategy has faced heavy criticism due to poor show by the batters throughout the series, drawing disapproval from fans and former cricketers alike. Despite starting well on Day 1 of the Dharamsala Test, England were bundled out for just 218 runs. Rohit Sharma’s decision to bring in Kuldeep paid off for the home side, as England crumbled from 170/3 to get bowled out for 218 runs.
With the team at 137/3 after Crawley’s dismissal, England lost wickets in quick succession and were 175/6 by Tea on Day 1. Except for Crawley, none of the England batters managed to surpass the 30-run mark, highlighting England’s batting struggles throughout the series against India.
Aakash Chopra lashes England’s Bazball technique
Aakash Chopra also urged England not to use Bazball as an excuse to justify their shortcomings on the tour . Claiming that the touring team cannot bat even one full day in Indian conditions , the former cricketer said :
“At one point, it looked like England would score 500 runs. However, this team does nothing these days and cannot even bat for a full day. England’s batting has been really disappointing and frustrating for their fans. You can’t play well even on such good pitches,”
He stressed further :
“Don’t use Bazball as a mask to hide your weaknesses. Honestly, I feel that they have been talking about their Bazball approach because they just can’t play here,”
Aakash Chopra also believes that England are unlikely to make a comeback in the ongoing test , and India will dominate the second day proceedings as well . The cricketer turned commentator remarked :
“England’s boarding passes have already been printed. It will be the case that they are here just physically. Mentally, this team has already reached England,”
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 52 and 26 as India reached 135 for 1 at end of Day 1 trailing England by mere 83 runs. England having lost the series 3-1 is in danger of loosing the series 4-1 and only a miraculous bowling spell can save England’s pride at Dharamshala.
India have already taken an unassailable lead of 3-1 in the series and are looking to solidify their position at the top of the World Test Championship points table with a win in the Dharamsala Test match.