New Delhi: Former India batsman VVS Laxman expressed disappointment over the abrupt end of the Test series between India and England but denies blaming the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the cancellation of the 5th Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. done.
In his column for the Times of India, Laxman wrote, “It was an abrupt, somewhat disappointing end to what was a cracking series, but given the circumstances in which the final Test at Old Trafford was cancelled, fingers are on the way.” It is unfair to point out or play the blame game. More than a year and a half after the pandemic, the world is still far from a safe place. It may be tempting for many to see the Indian team as the villain of the piece, but I All I can say from my IPL experience this summer is that once any member of the team that you have been in close contact with tests positive, it is impossible not to be apprehensive, to be really frightened.”
The fifth and deciding Test was dramatically canceled on Friday, two hours before the scheduled start due to concerns over COVID-19 in the Indian camp. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said fears over the coronavirus related to the outbreak among backroom staff had left India unable to field a team at Old Trafford.
“Getting on the field in that mental state is far from ideal. So there is a potential risk of endangering others in the park, be it your teammates, officials or opponents. Against that background, I think the Test is cancelled. Had to make the right call, however I feel deeply for the fans who invested so much time, money and emotion in the competition. I hope ICC sees this situation and awards India the series 2-1 Especially with the BCCI’s offer to play a Test during their white-ball tour of England next year,” Laxman said.
India were 2-1 in the five-match contest after a 157-run victory in the Fourth Test at The Oval and were bidding to complete a remarkable double just months after winning a series in Australia. India on Thursday canceled its final training session and mandatory pre-match press conference after reports that a physiotherapist who was in close contact with the players had tested positive. covid.
“What this episode reiterates is that we must not let our guard down. If it means living in a bubble, even if the host country doesn’t demand it, then so be it. It can be tough for the players. , agreed, but it is better to be safe than sorry. I understand bubble fatigue could be a factor, but safety cannot be compromised. For the series itself, it was heady and stormy. Luck wildly Turned out, although I don’t think anyone had any doubts about which was the better side, a 3-1 draw for India would have been an accurate reflection of both the teams’ strength and the quality of cricket,” Laxman said.
In the fourth Test at The Oval, where India won their first Test on English soil 50 years ago, Rohit Sharma scored his first overseas Test century and Shardul Thakur acted with both bat and ball. Jasprit BumrahA devastating spell of reverse swing – 2-6 in six overs – was the key for England to lose their last eight wickets for 69 runs.
“It may sound obvious, but the biggest takeaway for the visitors was the quality and confidence of their pace attack. India are regularly winning Tests and series because of the fast bowlers, and once again, they stood up and asked to count. What was even more impressive was that while there were defining mantras, it was not a one-man show. Everyone made meaningful contributions, and even those who came with a little game time behind them were disappointed. Didn’t,” observes Laxman.
Indian team management preferred left spinner all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja over off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Test matches in England.
“If there’s one thing the attack can get better at, it’s in keeping the patience and string maidens together when the pitch gets flat, like on the third day at Lord’s and the second day at Leeds. I know I r Emphasizing on Ashwin’s inclusion in these pillars; that being said, Ravindra Jadeja was more than dominant throughout the series, especially on the final day at The Oval, in a containing and wicket-taking role,” wrote Laxman.
Rohit Sharma’s 127 was the cornerstone of India’s second innings lead of 270/3, 171 when bad light ended on the third day of the Fourth Test. It was the opener’s eighth century in 43 Tests but his first outside India in 24 matches at this level. Rohit added 83 runs with fellow opener KL Rahul (46) and shared a 153-run stand for the second wicket. Cheteshwar Pujara (61).
“India’s biggest plus was finding a great opening pair. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are not only skilled but experienced too. They brought those qualities into the game to score beautiful, crucial runs. They followed through on their game plans. Trusted and backed their defence; I would leave Tom Latham and Devon Conway to say that they are currently the best opening pair in Test cricket,” Laxman said.
Ajinkya Rahane The series against England had a combined 109 runs in seven innings. Rahane, who led India to series wins in Australia as the regular captain earlier this year Virat Kohli Was on paternity leave, has now played 20 innings without a Test century.
“India must address an obvious concern which is the experienced middle-order’s inability to capitalize on great starts. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli showed signs of returning to form, but Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant were out of touch. There have been some technical issues with the middle-order batting, and with the more challenging tasks, it is imperative that they are addressed at the earliest,” Laxman signed off.
In his column for the Times of India, Laxman wrote, “It was an abrupt, somewhat disappointing end to what was a cracking series, but given the circumstances in which the final Test at Old Trafford was cancelled, fingers are on the way.” It is unfair to point out or play the blame game. More than a year and a half after the pandemic, the world is still far from a safe place. It may be tempting for many to see the Indian team as the villain of the piece, but I All I can say from my IPL experience this summer is that once any member of the team that you have been in close contact with tests positive, it is impossible not to be apprehensive, to be really frightened.”
The fifth and deciding Test was dramatically canceled on Friday, two hours before the scheduled start due to concerns over COVID-19 in the Indian camp. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said fears over the coronavirus related to the outbreak among backroom staff had left India unable to field a team at Old Trafford.
“Getting on the field in that mental state is far from ideal. So there is a potential risk of endangering others in the park, be it your teammates, officials or opponents. Against that background, I think the Test is cancelled. Had to make the right call, however I feel deeply for the fans who invested so much time, money and emotion in the competition. I hope ICC sees this situation and awards India the series 2-1 Especially with the BCCI’s offer to play a Test during their white-ball tour of England next year,” Laxman said.
India were 2-1 in the five-match contest after a 157-run victory in the Fourth Test at The Oval and were bidding to complete a remarkable double just months after winning a series in Australia. India on Thursday canceled its final training session and mandatory pre-match press conference after reports that a physiotherapist who was in close contact with the players had tested positive. covid.
“What this episode reiterates is that we must not let our guard down. If it means living in a bubble, even if the host country doesn’t demand it, then so be it. It can be tough for the players. , agreed, but it is better to be safe than sorry. I understand bubble fatigue could be a factor, but safety cannot be compromised. For the series itself, it was heady and stormy. Luck wildly Turned out, although I don’t think anyone had any doubts about which was the better side, a 3-1 draw for India would have been an accurate reflection of both the teams’ strength and the quality of cricket,” Laxman said.
In the fourth Test at The Oval, where India won their first Test on English soil 50 years ago, Rohit Sharma scored his first overseas Test century and Shardul Thakur acted with both bat and ball. Jasprit BumrahA devastating spell of reverse swing – 2-6 in six overs – was the key for England to lose their last eight wickets for 69 runs.
“It may sound obvious, but the biggest takeaway for the visitors was the quality and confidence of their pace attack. India are regularly winning Tests and series because of the fast bowlers, and once again, they stood up and asked to count. What was even more impressive was that while there were defining mantras, it was not a one-man show. Everyone made meaningful contributions, and even those who came with a little game time behind them were disappointed. Didn’t,” observes Laxman.
Indian team management preferred left spinner all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja over off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Test matches in England.
“If there’s one thing the attack can get better at, it’s in keeping the patience and string maidens together when the pitch gets flat, like on the third day at Lord’s and the second day at Leeds. I know I r Emphasizing on Ashwin’s inclusion in these pillars; that being said, Ravindra Jadeja was more than dominant throughout the series, especially on the final day at The Oval, in a containing and wicket-taking role,” wrote Laxman.
Rohit Sharma’s 127 was the cornerstone of India’s second innings lead of 270/3, 171 when bad light ended on the third day of the Fourth Test. It was the opener’s eighth century in 43 Tests but his first outside India in 24 matches at this level. Rohit added 83 runs with fellow opener KL Rahul (46) and shared a 153-run stand for the second wicket. Cheteshwar Pujara (61).
“India’s biggest plus was finding a great opening pair. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are not only skilled but experienced too. They brought those qualities into the game to score beautiful, crucial runs. They followed through on their game plans. Trusted and backed their defence; I would leave Tom Latham and Devon Conway to say that they are currently the best opening pair in Test cricket,” Laxman said.
Ajinkya Rahane The series against England had a combined 109 runs in seven innings. Rahane, who led India to series wins in Australia as the regular captain earlier this year Virat Kohli Was on paternity leave, has now played 20 innings without a Test century.
“India must address an obvious concern which is the experienced middle-order’s inability to capitalize on great starts. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli showed signs of returning to form, but Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant were out of touch. There have been some technical issues with the middle-order batting, and with the more challenging tasks, it is imperative that they are addressed at the earliest,” Laxman signed off.
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