Ricky Ponting brutally hammers Shubman Gill, easily exposes his tactical blunders

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting slammed Shubman Gill for his captaincy during England’s first innings in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Ponting added that the Indian skipper made poor tactical calls on Day 2 (Thursday, July 24), including questionable bowling decisions and field placements.

England are in a commanding position at stumps on Day 2 in response to India's total of 358 runs. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley laid the foundation with an aggressive 166-run stand. Duckett perished for 94 and Crawley for 84, but their partnership helped England post a total of 225/2 heading into Day 3.

Tactically, They Were Wrong - Ricky Ponting Slams Shubman Gill

Speaking on Sky Sports, Ricky Ponting stated that several of Shubman Gill’s tactical decisions helped England gain the upper hand. Ponting questioned the decision to open the bowling with debutant Anshul Kamboj ahead of Mohammed Siraj.

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Kamboj conceded three boundaries in his first over, and Ponting felt this handed England early momentum. He also pointed out that Gill made flawed field placements, noting that five of Ben Duckett’s first six boundaries came behind square.

“I think they were tactically off as well. Kamboj shouldn't have taken the new ball. I didn’t like that from the start. Five of Duckett’s first six boundaries were behind square leg, so tactically they were wrong,” Ponting said.

Jasprit Bumrah Bowling from the Wrong End - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting also raised concerns about Jasprit Bumrah not bowling from the Statham End, which had proven more successful for bowlers during the match. Ponting added that India may have missed the opportunity by not utilizing their spearhead pacer most effectively.

“I think Bumrah is bowling from the wrong end. Most of the wickets have fallen from the Statham End, and he’s done most of his work bowling from the Anderson End,” he added.

Jasprit Bumrah went without a wicket on Day 2, giving away 37 runs across 13 overs. Notably, he has been a key performer for India in the ongoing Test series against England, taking 12 wickets in five innings at an average of 24.08, including two five-wicket hauls.

India is in a Challenging Position to Save the Test and the Series

India is in a challenging position despite posting a first-innings total of 358. The visiting team holds a narrow lead of 133 runs before stumps on Day 2. They will need a strong bowling effort to stay competitive in the match and the series.

Rishabh Pant made a brave decision to return to the crease despite a fractured toe and scored 54 off 75 balls. The Manchester crowd gave him a standing ovation for his courageous effort. He played a key role in pushing India past the 350 mark.

England appears in control and is eyeing a series-clinching victory. The hosts will aim to score over 500 runs in their first innings to gain a massive lead and put India under pressure.

Also read: Watch: Mohammed Siraj-Ben Duckett fire heavy artillery at each other