PremiumIND vs ENG - Fans question R Ashwin's bowling, ask if Shoaib Bashir can take wickets, why can't he
Many are questioning why all-rounder R Ashwin, who also got out for just a run in 13 balls, has been so inconsistent in the series against England.
Last Updated: 04.40 PM, Feb 24, 2024
India's batting encountered significant trouble on Day 2 of the 4th Test, with seven wickets already fallen. After 73 overs, the Men in Blue still trail by 134 runs against England in Ranchi. Among the bowlers, one standout performer has been English spinner Shoaib Bashir, who claimed 4 wickets at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. Bashir dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, and Ravindra Jadeja, putting his side in the driver's seat.
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The ease with which the bowler has been taking wickets has led netizens to compare him to R Ashwin, India's seasoned bowler, who managed only 1 wicket in the 1st innings. Many are questioning why the all-rounder, who also got out for just a run in 13 balls, has been so inconsistent.
As of writing this article, India has scored 219 runs in 73 overs with Dhruv Jurel (30) and Kuldeep Yadav (17) at the crease, looking to minimize the damage already done. By the end of the second day, the two batters formed a 42-run partnership.
Earlier in the day, England managed to add 51 runs on Day 2 before being bowled out for 353 runs. The standout performances came from Joe Root, who forged two crucial partnerships: 113 runs for the 6th wicket with Foakes and 102 runs for the 8th wicket with Ollie Robinson.
At the top of the order, Zak Crawley contributed with 42 runs, while Robinson made 58, and Foakes added 47, although they played supporting roles to Root. Ravindra Jadeja was the star for India, claiming four wickets as he dismantled the lower order. Debutant Akash Deep made an impact by removing the top three batters, and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with two wickets.
Teams:
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj
England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.