Prasidh Krishna Reflects on Test Absence and Impressive Comeback at The Oval
Prasidh Krishna's Journey Back to Form
London [UK], August 2: After an intense day of Test cricket at The Oval, Indian fast bowler Prasidh Krishna shared his thoughts on missing two Test matches due to underwhelming performances in the initial games at Leeds and Birmingham. He expressed that this break allowed him to reassess his skills and he is completely fine with stepping back if it means enhancing his game away from the spotlight.
Krishna's standout performance, where he claimed four wickets, was pivotal in England's batting collapse from 142/2 to 215/7 during the second day of the fifth Test. His partnership with Mohammed Siraj was crucial, especially after a disappointing start to the series where he managed only six wickets in four innings, conceding 331 runs in the first two Tests, which resulted in his absence from the matches at Lord's and Manchester. He had attempted to implement short-pitched deliveries as instructed by the team, but this strategy did not yield the desired results.
During a press conference, Krishna addressed his exclusion from the previous two matches, stating, “I believe I was selected because I can fulfill the role the team requires. I have strong support from the dressing room, and my participation in the next two games allowed me to refine my approach.”
He further added, “If I can improve my bowling lengths by even five or ten percent while not playing, I consider that a success. My focus is always on contributing to the team. While external criticism may arise, it doesn’t affect me. Performance is tied to both praise and criticism, but for me, it’s about the process rather than the outcome.”
In the three Tests played so far, Krishna has taken 10 wickets with an average of 39.30, achieving best figures of 4/62.
In the ongoing match, India batted first and was dismissed for 224 runs. Notable contributions came from Karun Nair, who scored 57 off 109 balls, and Washington Sundar, who added 26 off 55 balls, forming a crucial partnership for the seventh wicket. England's Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue were the standout bowlers, taking 5/33 and 3/57, respectively.
In England's first innings, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put together a solid 92-run partnership, scoring 64 and 43 runs, respectively. However, after their dismissals, a batting collapse ensued, largely due to Krishna's 4/62 and Siraj's 4/83. Harry Brook managed to score a half-century but could not save England from being all out for 247, giving them a narrow 23-run lead.
At the close of play, India was at 75/2, with Jaiswal on 51* and night-watchman Akash Deep on 4*, leading by 52 runs.