India captain Rohit Sharma copped a lot of criticism on the second day of the third Test match in Rajkot. Fans were furious with Rohit Sharma after England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were off to a rapid start in England innings on Friday, 16 February. Ben Duckett was the aggressor amongst the two and raced away to a 39-ball fifty on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test.
Fans argued that Rohit Sharma could have brought Ravichandran Ashwin early into the spell, given he has a strong record against the left-hander. In fact, Ashwin has dismissed Duckett 5 times in 5 matches at an average of just 16.20. Former England fast bowler Steven Finn argued the same while speaking on Sky Sports and questioned Rohit Sharma’s captaincy during the game.
“I think Rohit Sharma will be up with the analyst working out when he introduces his bowlers and who against,” Finn said on Sky Sports at the end of day’s play.
“I think he missed a trick by not bringing on Ashwin and Jadeja earlier on today. India will come back refreshed tomorrow,” he further added.
IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Day 2 Highlights
Ashwin himself backed the argument during his press conference after Day 2 and said that he would have liked to bowl to Ben Duckett when he was batting at 0 and not at 70.
“I would have really liked to bowl at him when he was at 0 and not at 60-70 runs. He is a very different player to bowl at when he is at 60-70 runs for sure. A couple of slog sweeps that he hit were really special. But again, Ben Duckett is a phenomenal talent for England, he has made a wonderful hundred today. I wanted to clap for Ben Duckett but I didn’t. The hardcore competitor in me did not allow me to clap, but nevertheless, come the next time, I will again try to take him on,” R Ashwin said in the press conference at the end of Day 2.
At the end of day’s play, England raced away to 207 for the loss of two wickets in just 35 overs, with Duckett remaining not out at 133 runs. England will start Day 3 trialling India by 238 runs and 8 wickets in hand. India will not have the services of R Ashwin, who has withdrawn from the ongoing Test match due to a medical emergency in his family.
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