Former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha criticized India’s field placements after England scored more than 200 runs in the latter two sessions of Day 3 of the current Test. Ojha stated that the hosts’ body language was not optimal, and as a result, they failed to generate enough opportunities on the pitch in Hyderabad.
The comments came after Ollie Pope hit an unbeaten 148 from 208 balls, including 17 boundaries in the third innings. He used several daring strokes, including as reverse sweeps and scoop shots, on his way to a terrific knock.
Ojha told Cricketbuzz:
“Field placement in and out could’ve been better. Above all, when the partnership was flourishing, the shoulders were dropped. This is the first time any team is challenging India at home. I don’t think anyone has done that before. So, you had to show better body language.”
Pragyan Ojha
The cricketer-turned-commentator added:
“I think it was hot and was a tough day, but everybody was waiting for the wicket to fall or the situation to pass. It doesn’t happen like that in Test cricket. You had bia g example in front of you, Ollie Pope – He created that situation. You needed that inspiration.”
Pragyan Ojha
Ojha went on to say that India lacked a backup strategy to restrict the flow of runs as Pope formed alliances. His innings helped England score three and four runs in the remaining two periods. Ojha said:
“Bazball hasn’t put the doubts for India, but there was no plan B. The way Ollie Pope tried reverse sweeps, the way he was playing scoop shots, I think they needed a plan B, the bowler who would’ve controlled the game.
Pragyan Ojha
He continued:
“Plan B helps you stop the run flow, you’ve control over the game. In Test cricket, it’s said that you won’t get wickets all the time but you can’t lose control with the ball. The run rate was 3.07 (83/4 in 27) in the second innings and then it was 4.11 (144/1 in 35) in the last session.”
Pragyan Ojha
For those unfamiliar, Axar Patel dropped Pope on 110 off Ravindra Jadeja during the third and final session of Day 3.
Ashwin and Jadeja lose their composure in 3rd session, says Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Oja also noted that the spin combination Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were frantic with the ball. Ashwin delivered numerous full-tosses, and Jadeja ended up delivering no-balls in their quest to bowl out England. The former left-arm spinner from Hyderabad stated:
“There was no patience, it looked like the bowlers looked desperate. I’ll give you one big example, Ravindra Jadeja bowled six no-balls. When you miss the run-up, it’s when you’re thinking about doing more than focusing on the rhythm. You miss the normal routine.
Pragyan Ojha
Ojha continued:
“Similarly, Ashwin changed his length a lot, there were a lot of full-tosses, three or four. We saw short deliveries. These things happen when you try a lot. India were trying to run too fast.”
Pragyan Ojha
Jadeja conceded 101 runs in 26 overs, taking one wicket, while Ashwin ended with 2/93 (21).
At stumps on Day 3, England were 316/6, 126 runs up, with Pope and Rehan Ahmed at the crease.