"England will continue to play Bazball vs India-" Eoin Morgan

Former England captain Eoin Morgan believes that the ongoing Test series against India presents a significant challenge to England’s red-ball approach. Eoin Morgan stated that England would continue with their aggressive style against India despite challenging conditions.

The Ben Stokes-led team is currently facing India in the first Test of the five-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The visiting team has persisted with their aggressive style of cricket in their first innings on the spin-friendly track.

England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added a 55-run partnership in just 11.5 overs. However, the Indian team bounced back, claiming back-to-back wickets. The visiting team was bowled out for 246 runs in 64.3 overs in the first innings at a run rate of 3.81.

Skipper Ben Stokes managed the half-century, scoring 70 runs off 88 deliveries. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja led the Indian bowling attack by taking three wickets each. Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets each in England’s first innings.

Their Mindset Has Been Encouraging Despite The Conditions – Eoin Morgan

“England’s approach will be to continue being aggressive. It has been unwavering under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Their mindset has been encouraging despite the conditions,” said Morgan.

The Rohit Sharma-led team finished the second day at 421/7, securing a significant 175-run lead in the first innings. KL Rahul (86) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (80) contributed crucial half-centuries, while Ravindra Jadeja (81*) and Axar Patel (35*) remained unbeaten.

India Have Batted Like A Side On Top – Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan emphasized that England’s approach faces its most significant examination during the India tour. He noted India’s assertive batting and their dominance, which could prevent England from gaining an advantage.

“Without doubt, this India tour – seven weeks, five Tests – will ultimately be the biggest test of England’s method. Throughout every stage today, India have batted like a side on top. They have been assertive and not let England in at any point,” Morgan added.

The England bowlers picked up India’s remaining three wickets for just 15 runs to end the overnight score. Joe Root dismissed Ravindra Jadeja (87) and Jasprit Bumrah (0) on consecutive deliveries. Young spinner Rehan Ahmed bowled Axar Patel (41) to bowl out India.

Joe Root concluded with figures of 4/79 from 29 overs in India’s first innings. The England team made a strong start in their second innings, reaching 89/1 in 15 overs at lunch on Day 3, trailing India by 101 runs. Zak Crawley was dismissed for 31 runs by Ravichandran Ashwin.

India has maintained an impressive record in Tests, remaining undefeated in home series for the past 12 years. Notably, the last team to defeat India on their home soil was Alastair Cook’s side in 2012. However, England has lost their previous two red-ball series in India.

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