Cricket

IND vs ENG 2024: Wasting a golden opportunity – Michael Atherton slams England batters after Rajkot loss

Former England skipper Michael Atherton slammed English batters after they were given an ignominious hammering of 434 runs by India at Rajkot. The visitors batters could not deliver the goods in the third Test match and it led to their downfall.

England were 224-2 in the first innings but were bundled out for 319 to concede a huge lead of 126 runs. Thus, they lost the last eight wickets for only 95 runs and failed to capitalize on a promising start. Ben Duckett played a fabulous knock of 153 runs but the rest of the batters failed to contribute with the bat.

England’s middle-order hasn’t been at their best in the ongoing series and the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root have failed to deliver. Furthermore, the visitors were skittled out for a paltry score of 122 runs in the second essay. None of the England batters could go past the 35-run mark in the second innings as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Michael Atherton wrote in his column for The Times: “Careful husbandry of resources is not the Bazball way. They have been profligate in the extreme in this match, wasting a golden opportunity to build on Duckett’s brilliant second-day hundred and to achieve parity or more on the first innings.”

“They were forced to take some bitter medicine as a consequence on a stifling and totally demoralizing fourth day in Rajkot.”

Atherton slammed Ben Duckett for his self-delusion comment as he compared Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive batting style with Bazball.

“One can admire the positivity and playfulness of Ben Duckett and this England team – such were his comments on the third evening – while also questioning their occasional self-delusion.”

Stokes also concurred with Atherton, stating they failed to get the job done despite being in a good position as they could not execute their game plans.

“Ben Duckett played an unbelievable innings. That was the tone we wanted to set throughout the innings. It was about identifying that opportunity and getting as close to India’s total.

“We wanted to bowl yesterday but it was earlier than when we wanted. Sometimes gameplans don’t work and that was the case.”

India and England will next take on each other at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi in the fourth Test match from Friday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
शेयर
द्वारा प्रकाशित
DafaNews

हाल के पोस्ट

P.V. Sindhu Ends 2025 Season Early to Recover Fully from Foot Injury

Two-time Olympic medallist and 2019 world champion P.V. Sindhu has announced that she will withdraw… अधिक पढ़ें

October 28, 2025

Shafali Verma Replaces Injured Pratika Rawal in India Squad Ahead of World Cup Semifinal Against Australia

India’s Women’s ODI World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with in-form opener Pratika… अधिक पढ़ें

October 28, 2025

Punjab FC Dominate Gokulam Kerala 3–0 in Super Cup Opener; Mumbai City Cruise Past Sporting Club Delhi

Punjab FC kicked off their Super Cup campaign in style with a commanding 3–0 win… अधिक पढ़ें

October 28, 2025

Lionel Messi aims to defend World Cup title if 100% fit

Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi said he would look to defend the World Cup title if… अधिक पढ़ें

October 28, 2025

Cameron Norrie on facing Carlos Alcaraz: ‘I’m going to take it to him’

Britain’s Cameron Norrie said he is looking forward to facing World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz in… अधिक पढ़ें

October 28, 2025

Andrew McDonald eager to test aggressive style against India

Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, is eager to test the aggressive style of batting against… अधिक पढ़ें

October 28, 2025