Former England captain Nasser Hussain was disappointed after the opening day of the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala saw another English batting collapse as the visitors were bowled out for 218. After bowling England out for 218, India cruised to 135 for 1 in their strong response to take early control of the fifth and final Test on Thursday.
Kuldeep Yadav wreaked havoc on England’s top order, while Ravichandran Ashwin polished off the tail to finish the job in just over two sessions. India skipper Rohit Sharma shared a 104-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal (57) to put England on the back foot at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in the Himalayan foothills.
IND vs ENG, 5th Test: Scorecard
“Missed opportunity, definitely in the last two matches. They had the opportunities to win those games and they didn’t. The second session between Lunch and Tea today was probably the most disappointing session for England on this tour. From 175 for three to 175 for 6, middle order blown away. It has become the repetitive nature of England batting and it has become concerning,” said Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports.
“I think with the batting approach England players need to look at their own games and try to improve. Whatever is your plan, whatever your coach or captain says, the best players, the greatest players like Ravichandran Ashwin, they try to improve, they try to get better.
Hussain criticised England’s batting approach, suggesting the players needed to introspect and improve their individual games. He specifically pointed out Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes for their poor performances.
“Zak Crawley has batted better but has been out between 50-80 the sixth time, Jonny Bairstow trying to counterattack getting to twenty-thirty and getting out. Ben Stokes has not been able to read Kuldeep Yadav from the wrist, he has hardly contributed with the bat. The struggle is real with the bat, not the conditions.
“Whatever coach, skipper or anyone suggests, the most important suggestion is for England batters to look upon themselves rather than listening to others. Enhance your own thought process on how to become a better cricketer. Hopefully, by the end of the tour, everyone will look at themselves and say, right, don’t hide behind Bazball and the mentality and try and improve your own game,” said Hussain.
India, holding an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, will fancy a first innings lead when play resumes on Friday.
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