India batted first in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The tone of the innings was established by the strong opening partnership of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Building on that beginning, India posted 358 all out in the first innings thanks to crucial knocks from Shardul Thakur and fifties from Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant.
The top and middle order contributed over 260 runs combined. However, the lower middle order and the tail managed to add only around 100 runs, an ongoing concern for India in this series.
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Aakash Chopra Slams Middle-Order Strategy
Aakash Chopra was vocal about this issue. He highlighted that India had three all-rounders occupying middle-order spots and felt the team was short of a proper batter.
“Shardul, Washi, and Jaddu got some runs, but when you rely on three all-rounders to fill your middle order, you're always living on hope rather than certainty. I’m surprised that with an 18-member squad now 19 with Anshul Kamboj added, you still don’t have a single backup middle-order batter,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Also Read: After Rishabh Pant Episode, ICC Set to Allow Replacements for External Injuries
He further questioned India’s strategy with middle-order selections.
“We’ve seen this before. When Karun Nair was asked to bat at No. 6, everyone said he was being played out of position, that he’s a No. 3. Then why do we keep picking players who bat in the top order and expect them to slot in anywhere?”
Chopra also pointed out the lack of proper backups in India’s batting lineup.
“Jaddu had four fifties in a row. He was due for a failure, and it came at a crucial time. You cannot rely on form alone when picking your batting order. India was one batter short,” he said.
Chopra Applauds Stokes’ Five-Wicket Haul and Bowling Commitment
Meanwhile, Chopra praised Ben Stokes for his impact with the ball. The England skipper took 5/72 — his first five-wicket haul in eight years — and was well supported by Jofra Archer, as the duo triggered yet another collapse in India’s lower order.
“He (Stokes) hasn’t fired much with the bat, but he’s more than made up for it with the ball. He’s already bowled more overs in a series than ever before in his career, and there’s still one Test and one innings left. That says a lot about his commitment,” Chopra added.
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At present, England is dominating with the bat. They trail by less than 80 runs and are slowly taking control of the match. India’s pace unit is struggling, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who are yet to pick up a wicket, while Joe Root and Ollie Pope continue to frustrate the visitors in Manchester.
Stay tuned for more updates from the England vs India 4th Test.
