India squandered all the momentum they gained after they let England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley bat freely on Day two of the Old Trafford Test. The visitors posted a competitive score of 358 in the first innings, after vital fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan, and Rishabh Pant helped team India have a massive advantage. However, India's pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Anshul Kamboj leaked five runs per over as the English openers raced to quick-fire half-centuries. Ravi Shastri was fuming after Crawley hit Siraj for four in the 12th over.
The pacer, who is otherwise very meticulous with his line and length, was a bit off-color in his first spell.
"Just not consistent enough. They will look back at this session and see, especially some of the boundary deliveries, that it's pretty ordinary stuff, at times rubbish,” he said on air.
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When quizzed about the words he would have used to bowlers if he were a coach, the former all-rounder said:
“Absolutely, maybe in better terms. Maybe get the local lingo in there, which can sound harsher. Some harsh words will be exchanged between the coach and the bowling coach. That's how he puts it across. It's different. If he can't, then you step in and say exactly the same.”
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India bowlers aim to make a comeback after England batters dominate
At stumps on Day two, the hosts finished at 225/2 in just 46 overs, and only trail India by 133 runs. England skipper Ben Stokes bowled terrifically to take five wickets. Duckett and Crawley came out with positive intent and added 166 runs for the first wicket stand. The hosts would be aiming to solidify their position in the game, while India's bowlers would be hoping to make a comeback by taking regular wickets.
