What about adapting to the situation? - Nick Knight slams Jonny Bairstow for poor shot selection during IND vs ENG 4th Test
Published - 23 Feb 2024, 06:00 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:27 AM
Former England opener Nick Knight criticized the batting strategy of the Ben Stokes-led side during the opening day of the fourth Test against India. Nick Knight highlighted that the visiting team failed to adopt a strategic play in challenging batting conditions in Ranchi.
England Test skipper Ben Stokes opted to bat first after winning the toss at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, February 23. However, the decision backfired for the England team, as they lost five wickets before the lunch break on Day 1.
England’s woes worsened as their top order collapsed in the fourth Test. Following an impressive spell by Indian pacer Akash Deep, England found themselves at 57/3. Akash Deep picked up the wickets of Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope in his first spell.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also claimed a wicket each, as the home team reduced England to 112/5 at lunch on the opening day in Ranchi. Zak Crawley scored at a run-a-ball with 42 runs, while Jonny Bairstow added a quick-fire 38 runs from 35 deliveries.
That Was A Really Poor Option – Nick Knight
Speaking on Jio Cinema, Nick Knight pointed out England’s repeated use of the sweep shot on the challenging pitch, labeling it a poor choice. He questioned the team’s focus on aggression over adaptability. He emphasized the need to adjust to the game situation.
“How many times did we talk at the top of our show about no sweeping on this surface? I thought that was a really poor option. You know, we talk a lot about Bazball, but we talk a lot about being aggressive. What about adapting to the situation? What about playing game situations? What about using your feet?” Nick Knight told Jio Cinema.
Bairstow attempted a leg-stump sweep against Ravichandran Ashwin, resulting in an LBW. Despite the initial on-field umpire’s decision, Team India’s DRS review overturned it. Bairstow has scored a mere 140 runs across seven innings at a dismal average of 20.
Sweep Shot Wasn’t The Right Option – Nick Knight
Nick Knight emphasized the need for aggression but stressed the importance of timing and context in shot selection. He highlighted that the sweep shot wasn’t the optimal choice on the surface, reflecting on Bairstow’s dismissal.
“I just felt the ball before it; he cut Ashwin away, picking length well. It’s not so much that you shouldn’t be aggressive; it is just the way that you’re aggressive. And I just felt that (sweep shot) wasn’t the right option at the right time,” Knight added.
After losing five wickets in the first session, former England skipper and wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes steadied the innings. The duo added a crucial 113-run partnership for the sixth wicket. However, Mohammed Siraj picked up the wickets of Foakes and Tom Hartley.
Despite losing wickets from the other end, Joe Root showed resilience against Indian bowlers. The right-handed batter reached his 31st hundred in Test cricket for England. He also completed his 10th century against India in red-ball cricket, the most by any batter.
Also read: Michael Vaughan’s post on ‘angry’ Jonny Bairstow turns out to be a jinx during IND vs ENG 4th Test
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