Did India miss a golden opportunity to win the first test against England? Yes, they certainly did. Did they get the combination wrong? Not really but they did blunder in picking Rahane in the playing eleven. Could they have done something different? Yes, concentrate on scoring runs. Let me analyse the first test.
Rahane’s continuous inclusion is baffling
It was really unfortunate that both Pujara and Rahane found a spot in the playing eleven. Especially Rahane who has done everything within his power over the last 7-8 years to be dropped. Yet, he is in the team constantly. Fortunately for him and unfortunately for the team, whenever he scores runs, which is infrequent, India wins. For eg, the hundred at Melbourne or the 80odd that he scored in India’s tour of England in 2018 at Headingly. However, no one asked the question why did he fail in the 1st and 4th test of the same series which would have helped India to win the series?
Here he was in such desperate hurry that he somehow wanted to get out of the ground. Perhaps he does not have it in him to fight the elements and score. It certainly is time for India to move on from Rahane.
Pujara’s inability to score
As for Pujara, his inability to score runs and lack of foot movement while at the crease is posing a lot of problems for India. When the team plays with only 5 batters with Pant and Jadeja as support, it is pretty important that the top 5 score sufficient runs for the bowlers to defend. Pujara’s circumspection at the wicket is causing lot of problems for the rest of the batters.
Shardul Thakur is quite impressive
Shardul Thakur is not quick. Thakur is not someone who will capture someone’s imagination at the first sight. He is not someone whom you will trust to pick up wickets. In reality though, he has done exceedingly well in his career all but 3 tests old so far. He picked up 8 at Brisbane and followed it with a match-winning 60. Here he picked up 4 that includes Root and Buttler. Though he failed with the bat, he was mighty impressive. Infact, his wickets were much more cheaper than Siraj.
Mohammed Siraj must control his aggression
Siraj played only his second test. His behaviour on the field was appalling. Root toyed with his bowling and yet he had the nerve to abuse the opponents. So much so that even Virat Kohli, who has a history of outrageous behaviour had to tell him to calm down. Siraj will do well to improve his bowling and pick up wickets before indulging in such antics.
Good opening partnership
India failed to make use of a good opening partnership between Rohit and Rahul. Rahul after a longtime, looked solid and Rohit fell just when he looked good. It is not often that India gets such a good opening partnership in the SENA countries but the middle order made a huge mess out of it. It remains to be seen whether Rahul will be able to continue with his solidity.
Classy Root
Remove Root, England’s batting looks barren. 5 of the top 6 is either inexperienced or does not have the game at the international level. Burns and Sibley occupies the crease for a longtime, a la Pujara, but fails to convert them to substantial scores. Root played a couple of beautiful innings that ultimately proved to be the difference between an Indian win and a draw. The hundred with England staring down the barrel was priceless. He is really having a fabulous period. With double hundreds and hundreds.
Anderson the ageless wonder and Bumrah
Two bowlers who are at the opposite ends of their respective career, bowled absolutely beautifully. Bumrah’s wickets are much more important to India in that he is the leader of the attack. The fact that he took 9 including a 5-fer, will improve India’s confidence manifold. Anderson just keeps going on and on and on. Doesn’t he? He is proving what a champion player he is. He seems to keep getting better. Especially in England. With Arthur and Stone ruled out and Stokes not certain to be back, Anderson remains vital for England’s chance in this year’s Ashes.
Who would have won if the rain had stayed away?
History, based on the twin failures in 2018 points to England. India failed to chase 192 and 245. Based on the decent start and just about 150 required on a batting wicket, points to India. Anyway, the first game is done and dusted. Off to the second one.
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