Before the fourth Test match against India, the legendary player from South Africa has issued a warning to Ben Stokes’ England team.
Following Ben Stokes and Co.’s crushing loss to hosts India in the opening five-match series on Sunday, England’s thrilling Bazball strategy has come under severe criticism. At Rajkot, Ravindra Jadeja’s all-around performance and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s outstanding double-century propelled Rohit Sharma’s Team India to a remarkable victory over England. India has grabbed a 2-1 lead over the visitors in the five-match Test series, exposing gaps in England’s Bazball strategy.
During the toss, Team India captain Rohit Sharma and England captain Ben StokesAAFP
Ben Stokes of England and Rohit Sharma of Team India at the toss (AFP)
In the third Test match against India, England suffered its worst defeat since 1934 as they were humiliated 434 runs to none. The visitors responded to India’s 445 first-inning score to open the day at 207-2. Stokes’ side lost eight wickets for 95 runs, though, as spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Mohammed Siraj set off an England batting collapse.
Playing the “worst, most stupid, shot in the history of England’s Test cricket,” former England captain Joe Root garnered media attention. Jasprit Bumrah was cheaply dismissed in Rajkot after Root reverse-scooped him straight to the second slip.
Smith Issues a Warning to England
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith noted in his Betway Insider blog that following the humiliation in Rajkot, England will adhere to their principles. “There’s always been a lot of skill, but they appear to have removed the anxiety, given people a sense of stability, and have a positive outlook on the game. By forcing the opposition to think and exert pressure, England is undoubtedly remaining true to their desired style of play in India, according to Smith.
Nonetheless, Smith cautioned England that if Rohit and company gain an advantage at home, they will be hard to catch. England lost the third Test in Rajkot by 434 runs after scoring just 122 against an unlikely target of 557. The England team under by Brendon McCullum had won 14 of their previous 20 Test matches before losing to India in Rajkot. The visitors’ goal in the series finale against India in Ranchi will be to recover.
“If India surpasses them in speed, then…”
“It’s a very long tour and toiling against India like you have to, with long days in the field combined with the heat, can wear you down towards the back end of a series,” Smith stated. “It’s critical to be mentally alert, upbeat, and committed to your strategy. India would be extremely challenging to catch up to if they acquire a lead, he continued. England has handled it effectively thus far and needs to hold strong for as long as possible.
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