Ravi Shastri Critiques India's Bowling Performance at The Oval

India's Struggles on Day Two at The Oval

London [UK], August 1: Following a dismal first session with the ball on the second day at The Oval, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri expressed his disappointment with the team's bowling performance, stating they have been "overwhelmed" and advised them to "maintain a consistent line" instead of experimenting too much.

After managing to add only 20 runs to their overnight total, India was bowled out for 224 runs. England's opening batsmen, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, showcased aggressive batting, forming a 92-run partnership for the first wicket, leading the Three Lions to a score of 109/1 at Lunch on Day 2 of the final Test in the five-match series.

During his commentary on Sky Sports, Shastri remarked, "The game has progressed, and India has been overwhelmed. They lost four wickets for just 20 runs, while England scored rapidly."

He further noted, "This is concerning for India; they need to reassess their bowling strategy. While batters may try various approaches, India must focus on maintaining line and length to apply pressure consistently, rather than overcomplicating things."

Former England captain Ricky Ponting also commented that England "could not have asked for a better start." He pointed out, "From India's perspective, it's disappointing how much the ball has moved, yet they failed to capitalize on it. England has been proactive in their approach over the past few years, and they executed that perfectly today, scoring nearly seven runs per over."

Ponting added that the English opening duo of Crawley and Duckett effectively disrupted the bowlers' rhythm, suggesting that India did not bowl full enough with the new ball. He emphasized, "They also neglected to bowl enough bouncers, which we discussed in the previous match at Emirates Old Trafford. They haven't pushed the batters back to make them think."

After England chose to bat first, they had India reeling at 153/6. A notable 58-run partnership between Karun Nair (57 runs off 109 balls, including eight fours) and Washington Sundar (26 runs off 55 balls, with three fours) was the highlight of India's innings before they were all out for 224 runs. Gus Atkinson claimed an impressive five-wicket haul (5/33), while Josh Tongue contributed with three wickets (3/57).

In response, England reached 109/1 at Lunch, with Zak Crawley remaining unbeaten on 52 runs off 43 balls (12 fours) and Ollie Pope on 12 runs off 16 balls (two fours). Duckett scored 43 runs off 38 balls, including five fours and two sixes, as they dismantled the Indian bowling attack.