Former India opener Aakash Chopra says England’s Test squad should reflect on their poor performance in the present five-match away Test series against India.
Aakash Chopra emphasized how England made strong declarations before the series but failed to back them up on the pitch. In his most recent YouTube video, Chopra evaluated the visitors’ on-field performance throughout the tour.
“Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, swear to God, what is this performance? They need some soul-searching at this stage. England need to introspect. They make bold claims, but it’s like unchi dukhan, feeka pakwan (Fancy shop, tastless food).”
Aakash Chopra
Ben Stokes and his team were defeated without a fight on Day 1 of the current fifth Test in Dharamsala. England won the toss and decided to bat first. However, they appeared bewildered against the Indian spinners and were knocked out for only 218 runs.
Kuldeep Yadav was the most impressive bowler, taking five wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin also sparkled in his 100th Test, taking four wickets.
“Ollie Pope, no hope” – Aakash Chopra on England batter’s form slump
Ollie Pope, England’s top-order hitter, made headlines with a stunning 196-run knock in the Test series opener against India in Hyderabad, guiding his team to a 28-run victory.
Aakash Chopra pointed out how Ollie Pope faded after achieving early popularity. He went on to say that the batter had clearly battled against spin.
“Ollie Pope, no hope. After that knock in Hyderabad, he seems clueless. He ran down the wicket, which Dhruv Jurel had predicted before the ball. It was as if he was going to shake hands with Kuldeep Yadav.”
Aakash Chopra
On Day 1 of the fifth Test, Pope scored just 11 runs before being stumped by Kuldeep Yadav. India ended on 135/1 at stumps, behind England by 83 runs. Rohit Sharma (52*) and Shubman Gill (26*) will begin batting on the second day.