Ravi Shastri alleges Gautam Gambhir of grilling Indian dressing room including Jasprit Bumrah

Former cricketer Ravi Shastri did not hold back with his criticism of India’s fast bowlers during the second day of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. The former head coach called out Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Anshul Kamboj for bowling poor spells on Day 2.

England skipper Ben Stokes took five wickets to bowl India out for 358 runs in the second session on Thursday, July 24. Conditions were expected to favor the bowlers, but the Indian pace attack faltered by consistently missing their lengths, pitching too full, and failing to challenge the English batters effectively.

It's Pretty Ordinary Stuff, at Times Rubbish - Ravi Shastri Slams Jasprit Bumrah-Led India Attack

Ravi Shastri was frustrated during England’s aggressive start, especially after Zak Crawley smashed Mohammed Siraj for a boundary straight down the ground in the 12th over. The former all-rounder criticised the Indian pacers for their lack of discipline, calling their bowling “rubbish” and inconsistent.

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"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,” Ravi Shastri said on air.

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley added 77 runs in just 14 overs at a rate of over five per over during the second session. The pair went on to add a 166-run partnership. Ravindra Jadeja broke the stand in the 32nd over by dismissing Crawley for 84. Duckett perished for 94 off debutant Anshul Kamboj.

Some Harsh Words Will Be Exchanged by Gautam Gambhir - Ravi Shastri

When asked if he would have used the same words as a coach, Ravi Shastri said he might have been even harsher. Shastri also predicted that current head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel would likely have tough conversations with the bowlers.

“Absolutely, maybe in better terms. Maybe get the local lingo in there, which can sound harsher. Some harsh words will be exchanged by 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,” Shastri added.

India must strike early with the ball on Day 3 to stay alive in the fourth Test and keep their series hopes alive, as they currently trail 2-1. They have to make a comeback and avoid a series defeat.

England End Day 2 of the Fourth Test at 225/2 in 46 Overs

England ended Day 2 of the fourth Test at 225/2 in 46 overs, trailing India by 133 runs. Ben Stokes led the bowling effort with figures of 5/72 to bowl India out for 358. Rishabh Pant scored a valiant 54 before being dismissed by Jofra Archer.

Pant had fractured his right foot and retired hurt on 37 the previous day but returned to the crease and added 17 crucial runs, helping India cross the 350 mark.

England built a 166-run opening stand between Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84), setting the tone for their innings. Both missed out on centuries, but Joe Root (11*) and Ollie Pope (20*) remained unbeaten at stumps, positioning England well to push for a significant first-innings lead.

Also read: ‘Injured’ Rishabh Pant available to bat in Manchester Test, confirms BCCI