Former England cricketer Steve Harmison feels that most of the England players are not able to understand the match situations in the ongoing England vs India Test series. His opinion comes after India defeated England in the 3rd Test at Kennington Oval, London by 157 runs. Against a target of 368 in the 2nd innings, England were bowled out for 210.
Against a deficit of 99 runs in the 2nd innings, India piled up a mammoth 466-10 on the scoreboard to set up a target of 368 for England. Rohit Sharma slammed a century (127) to provide a great start to India. Cheteshwar Pujara (61), Rishabh Pant (50), and Shardul Thakur (60) smashed half-centuries, giving crucial contributions to the team’s total.
Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow. Credits: England Cricket Twitter.
Most England Players Don’t Understand The Match Situation: Steve Harmison
While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, former England player Steve Harmison said that he doesn’t think anyone other than Joe Root and James Anderson really understands the match situation. He also said that England failed to utilize the advantage they got in the 4th Test against India.
“It is just about trusting the opportunities. England at times during these last 5 days, had the chance to really use the advantage. Right on day 1 bowling first, before Shardul Thakur walks to the wicket, England were in the pop seats and even during the back end of their 1st innings”, Steve Harmison said.
“There is so many batsmen’s responsibility to go in and get a hundred. There is so many batsmen’s responsibility to really understand the game situation and go home and utilize the advantage. I think it is that situation that England team is in at the moment. I don’t think unless it is Joe Root or Jimmy Anderson, anyone else understands what really is the match situation”, Steve Harmison further said.
Rohit Sharma was adjudged player of the match for his spectacular century. With the victory, India leads the 5-match series 2-1 after the completion of 4 Test matches. The 5th and the final Test match will commence on September 10 (Friday) at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
