Aakash Chopra Concerned By Over-Rates In India-England Series

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra has voiced his concerns about the over-rates in India-England limited-overs series. The ongoing first ODI between India and England in Pune had a disappointing over-rate after England elected to bowl first, while both sides copped fines during the T20I series. Aakash Chopra took to his official Twitter handle, stating that cricket is moving at a snail’s pace.

England, who elected to field first in the ongoing first ODI in Pune, went way beyond the stipulated time to complete their 50 overs. The tourists took four hours to finish their bowling. Despite picking two spinners in their line-up in Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, the Englishmen could not make a quick work of the 50 overs. Aakash Chopra and Michael Vaughan both criticised the over-rates in Pune.

Aakash Chopra seemed baffled at the thought of teams taking four hours to finish a 50-over inning in four hours. The 43-year old underlined with the human race getting fitter and stronger, it’s disappointing to see fixtures moving at a snail’s pace. Michael Vaughan, who is known for his quirky and humorous tweets, said that he is not getting old and that the game needs to run fast.

Over-rates in this series are appalling. Two hours to finish a T20 innings. 4 hours plus to finish a 50-over innings. Human race is getting fitter and stronger and cricket matches are moving at a snail’s pace. #<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->v<!---->E<!---->n<!---->g

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

11 overs in an hour … One day cricket … !!!!! I have decided it’s not me getting old it’s the game that needs to bloody hurry up … #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->E<!---->N<!---->G

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->2<!---->3<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1

India leave England to chase 317 in the first ODI:

Meanwhile, the first ODI saw Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, debutant Krunal Pandya, and KL Rahul smash half-centuries to propel India to a daunting 317 in the first ODI. The unbeaten stand of 112 from 61 balls between KL Rahul and Krunal Pandya was significant in lifting India beyond 317. England raced to a 135-run opening stand before the hosts picked five quick wickets to push them into the back foot.

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