Despite India’s victory in the 2nd Test against England, former cricketers Michael Atherton and Ian Bell observed moments of anxiety among the Indian team, particularly captain Rohit Sharma, during England’s spirited chase on Day 4. While chasing a daunting target of 332 runs, England’s aggressive approach, led by Zak Crawley and Joe Root, briefly unsettled the Indian camp.
Atherton noted Rohit’s apprehension as Crawley displayed his batting prowess, followed by Root’s brisk innings. Root’s aggressive style, dubbed “Bazball,” raised questions about his approach, although Atherton acknowledged the intent behind it. However, he emphasized the importance of Root playing to his strengths and maintaining his conventional batting style.
In response, Bell expressed his preference for Root’s traditional approach, highlighting his consistency and ability to rotate strike effectively. Root’s recent milestone of 1000 Test runs in India underscores his significance as a player, making him a key threat to the Indian team.
Despite India’s victory, Bell emphasized the threat posed by England’s batting lineup, indicating the level of concern within the Indian camp. As the teams prepare for the third Test in Rajkot, the performance of players like Root will continue to be a focal point, with India wary of the challenges posed by their opponents.
