India’s bowling performance on Day 2 of the Test match against England drew sharp criticism from cricket legends Ricky Ponting and Nasser Hussain, who slammed the team’s tactics and execution.
England’s Explosive Opening Stand
After India painstakingly compiled a 358-run total over six sessions, England’s response was swift and brutal. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett launched an aggressive assault at Old Trafford, quickly eroding India’s lead.
Their blistering partnership saw England surge to 225 for two in just 46 overs. By the end of play, England had reduced India’s advantage to a mere 133-run deficit, setting a formidable pace for the remainder of the match.
Tactical Errors Under Scrutiny
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was quick to pinpoint India’s tactical missteps, particularly regarding their new ball strategy. He questioned the decision to hand debutant seamer Anshul Kamboj the fresh Dukes ball ahead of the experienced Mohammed Siraj.
Kamboj struggled from the outset, conceding three boundaries in his very first over. He was subsequently pulled from the attack after just three overs, having given away 17 runs.
Ponting also highlighted Jasprit Bumrah bowling from the “wrong end,” noting that most wickets had fallen from the Statham end, while Bumrah primarily operated from the Anderson end. “I think they were tactically off as well. Kamboj shouldn’t have taken the new ball,” Ponting stated on Sky Sports.
India’s Bowling Attack Falters
Nasser Hussain, former England skipper, echoed Ponting’s sentiments, slamming India’s overall bowling performance on the day. He pointed out that while conditions may have changed, it didn’t excuse bowling “both sides of the wicket,” with too many deliveries on the pads making it easy for England’s batsmen.
Hussain found it “odd” that Kamboj, who wasn’t even in the squad a week prior, was given the new ball over Siraj. He suggested Siraj should have had a short burst from one end, then switched to partner Bumrah. The opening pair of Duckett and Crawley capitalized fully, putting on a formidable 166-run stand in just 32 overs.
“Unacceptable” Performance on the Field
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad did not hold back, labeling India’s Day 2 efforts as “unacceptable” at the Test match level. He emphasized that when batsmen post a competitive total, the bowlers have a responsibility to apply pressure.
Broad observed an abundance of balls down the leg side, allowing Ben Duckett in particular to score freely without much effort. “Really poor,” Broad remarked. “The amount of balls down the leg side, Duckett could just clip it. It was unacceptable at Test match level. You see that at lower levels.” While Kamboj did eventually dismiss Duckett for 94, the damage was largely done, leaving India with a significant challenge ahead.
- India’s new ball strategy with debutant Anshul Kamboj was heavily criticized by pundits Ricky Ponting and Nasser Hussain.
- Ponting also questioned Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling end choice.
- England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley formed a rapid 166-run partnership, quickly eroding India’s lead.
- Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad described India’s overall bowling performance as “poor” and “unacceptable.”
This sub-par bowling display has put India on the back foot, transforming a promising total into a precarious position as England swiftly closes the gap.
