Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian batsman, has expressed concern over England’s bowling assault ahead of the remaining two Tests of the five-match series.
Apart from Jack Leach, England’s other spin bowlers, namely Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, and Shoaib Bashir, had just one Test match under their belt. This problematic situation worsened with Leach’s injury during the first match, excluding him from further games in the series.
While the tourists won the first Test beautifully, their bowling has struggled against the young Indian batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Khan in the past two games.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo following India’s stunning 434-run win in the third Test, Manjrekar expressed concern about England’s inexperienced attack.
“I respect England’s approach and they are doing the world of Test cricket a great good, not just the team. But the worry for them going into the next 2 Tests is the bowling attack. The big takeaway on Day 4 was how their bowling was massacred by young Indian batters with hardly any Test experience.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar added:
“Felt at the end of the 2nd Test the biggest problem England will face will be with their inexperienced spinners, who have done phenomenally well. But just too much of a burden to carry for these young shoulders with hardly any first-class experience. And that side of English cricket I don’t see anything dramatic happening, don’t see them suddenly getting India 150 all-out. Don’t see their spinners doing that and can’t see India giving them rank turners that other opposition teams have got.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Jaiswal has two double century in the series, while Gill has 104 and 91 in two of his past three innings.
India marked a record victory margin in the third Test. They led the five-match series by 2-1, their highest-ever win in terms of runs.
“Their bowling will keep allowing India to come back in the game” – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that England’s batters pose a threat. However, their novice spinner bowlers will give India a chance to reclaim control, even if they’re momentarily losing.
The hosts bludgeoned the English attack for 445 in the first innings of the third Test, then 430/4 in less than 100 overs in the second.
“England batting will continue to be dangerous but their bowling will keep allowing India to come back in the game. That’s where India looks a little more secure.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
The focus now switches to Ranchi for the last Test, which begins on Friday, February 23, as India attempts to complete another home series triumph.
