Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes India is facing two kinds of problems in the ongoing Test series against England. Chopra noted there are lack of bowling options in India’s top order and the lower order doesn’t contribute a lot with the bat.
In the opening Test at Leeds, Headingley, the visitors lost 7-41 in the first innings whereas they lost the last six wickets for only 31 runs. Ergo, India could not capitalise on the commanding position they were in.
On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair are not known to roll over their arm.
“I am with you. We have two kinds of problems. Our tail doesn’t bat and our top order doesn’t bowl. They should bowl a little at least. I am not saying that you need to give 15-odd overs, that you should have a player like Jacques Kallis, or like they (South Africa) are playing Wiaan Mulder at No. 3, or Aiden Markram is bowling a lot,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel when asked about the lack of bowling options in India’s top order.
The renowned commentator added India would have found a better balance if they had bowling options in the top order.
“It will work out even if that’s not the case. That’s not something you need to focus on. However, you need a little bit of bowling at least because you get some balance, options, and choices with that. However, that doesn’t happen because our batters don’t bowl,” he observed.
On the other hand, the former Delhi player played down the suggestion of all-rounder Axar Patel batting at either number three or number six.
“I don’t know which format you are talking about. If you are talking about Test cricket, he cannot play at No. 3. He shouldn’t play at No. 6 as well. You have your proper batters till No. 6. So I won’t go down that route,” he said.
The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.
