ENG vs IND 2018: Anshuman Gaekwad Criticises Bowlers After Southampton Loss

At a time when Indian batsmen are facing the heat for their woeful performance in the fourth England vs India Test,  former India batsman Anshuman Gaekwad has taken a shot at the bowlers.

In the end, the batting failure once again dashed India’s hopes of winning an overseas Test as well as the series. India were chasing 245 to level the series. The start was as bad as it could. KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan were back in the hut with just 23 runs on the board.

An 101-run stand between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane then gave India some hopes. However, once Moeen Ali dismissed Virat Kohli, the floodgates opened.  The remaining batsmen fell like a pack of cards. From 123 for 2, India were all out for just 184. The performance only extended India batting’s latest trend. While Kohli has played his part to perfection, the other batsmen have cut a sorry figure.

But amidst all this, Anshuman Gaekwad has pointed out at Indian bowlers’ inability to finish off their jobs well. While the bowlers have made light work of England’s top-order, they have consistently struggled to get rid of England’s stubborn lower-order. Sam Curran scoring 251 runs in three games while batting at number 8 tells the complete story.

Not only that, they have also conceded extras which eventually made the difference.  In a low-scoring crucial Test match at Southampton, India’s bowlers conceded 34 runs in extras in the first innings. England, on the other hand, gave away just 17 in extras. In the second innings, India did manage to cut down sundries to nine, but England did far better to give away just two runs.

Overall, India has conceded 122 runs in extras in seven innings, while England gave away only 89 runs in eight innings.

“In low-scoring games, giving away 20 to 30 runs in extras is a crime. You cannot afford to do that. It’s these little factors that matter a lot eventually. We managed to pull off a win at Nottingham because all departments contributed equally,” Gaekwad told mid-day.

“There are bound to be partnerships. In such a situation, rather than relentlessly attacking, the bowlers could have tried to contain the batsmen and build pressure for them to earn every run. Instead, we gave away too many runs either in extras or easy boundaries. When the batsmen are struggling to score runs, bowlers should have made their task easier by bundling out the opponents quickly,” added Gaekwad.

India, meanwhile, will be looking to salvage some pride when they take on England in the last Test at The Oval from September 7.