VVS Laxman Criticizes Indian Batsmen For Allowing England Back In The Game

Former Indian Test specialist VVS Laxman has not been left impressed with India’s approach on day two of the fourth Test against England in Ahmedabad. While the Englishmen’s total of 205 was an underwhelming one, their bowling has been tight, not allowing the hosts those freebies or easy runs. VVS Laxman pointed out that the Indian batsmen lacked intent and became too defensive.

England’s veteran seamer James Anderson continued his good work from day one by keeping things tight on day two as well. It resulted in Cheteshwar Pujara’s wicket to Jack Leach as a defensive prod forward culminated in his dismissal. Soon after, Indian captain Virat Kohli perished for a duck, surviving only eight balls. Ajinkya Rahane played an attacking knock of 27 before becoming a victim of James Anderson before lunch.

VVS Laxman underlined that Virat Kohli’s wicket was a precious one before which Cheteshwar Pujara was tentative. The 46-year old pointed out that Virat Kohli perished to that extra bounce followed by Ajinkya Rahane, whose decision to poke to poke outside the off-stump was unnecessary and that he would be disappointed.

“Virat Kohli’s wicket was the precious one. I think before that Pujara was very tentative. Kohli, you can sense that, was surprised by the extra bounce Stokes got from the wicket and then Ajinkya Rahane. He will be really disappointed because just outside the off stump and (he was) poking at the ball,” Laxman told Star Sports.

I thought that India was very tentative: VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman identified that even though James Anderson and Ben Stokes bowled well and not giving any easy runs, India lacked the intent and got sucked into the pressure. Thus, by not batting aimlessly and without plan, the hosts permitted England to come back into the match.

“Overall I thought that India was very tentative. Yes, Jimmy Anderson and Ben Stokes bowled well and they didn’t give things easy, but sometimes if you look to play attacking shots, then the pressure will be back on the bowlers and I thought the Indian batsmen didn’t show that intent and were bogged down by some good bowling….overall I think the Indian batsmen allowed England to get back into the match,” he added.

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