India’s loss to England in the 4th Test at Leeds has invited widespread criticism. Michael Vaughan, the former England captain and cricket expert too joined the party. Vaughan whose opinions often divide the audience made a stinging remark about India’s lower order. Michael Vaughan Slams India team selectors for the loss.
India’s blind faith in the 4-1 bowling strategy:
Virat Kohli for the third straight time chose to play India’s combination of 4 seamers and 1 spinner. This arrangement saw India preferring Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner. Ravichandran Ashwin, who has arguably been the world’s best spinner had to miss out on all the 3 Tests so fat. There was a strong buzz surrounding Ashwin’s inclusion on a helpful Leeds track. But Kohli believed he will be able to exert more pressure with 4 seamers. He reposed his faith in Jadeja believing he will do the bulk of spinning duties.
Selection misstep and resulting consequence:
India’s persistence with the 4 pacers strategy meant that the team wore a thin batting outlook. In addition to India’s vulnerable middle-order, the long tail didn’t help matters much. The results were there for everyone to see as India crumbled for 78 in the first innings after opting to bat first. It is the top order that has largely shouldered the batting responsibilities during this tour.
In a rare batting failure of KL Rahul, the whole batting order stood exposed. Indian fans heaved a sigh of relief with India’s batting grit on Day 3. But no sooner than the new ball arrived, the whole batting succumbed without a fight. It was India’s second innings defeat under Kohli’s captaincy. The absence of a solid batting option at number 8 hurt India big time in this game
Reactions of Michael Vaughan on India’s team selection:
Michael Vaughan Slams India opined strongly to India’s 4 tail-enders approach. He believed that the Lords’ win lured them into false security. Vaughan was unable to fathom why Ashwin was being continually ignored. He went on to share his thoughts on Facebook. Vaughan wrote, “Surely they have to pick Ravi Ashwin next week. You cannot have four rabbits from 8-11. The resistance at Lord’s lulled them into a false sense of security about their tail. In reality, they cannot have Mohammed Shami coming in at eight.”
Ravindra Jadeja is a doubtful starter for the next Test:
Ravindra Jadeja posted a picture of him seeking medical attention soon after the match ended. This raised speculations of him missing the next Test. India might now be forced into playing Ravichandran Ashwin. This move may well prove to be a blessing in disguise for the hurt Indian team.
The fourth Test between England and India is scheduled to begin on 2nd September 2021 at The Oval, London.
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