Down and Out in Dharamshala
England’s misery was compiled with an innings defeat sealing a 4–1 series loss- but there was the thinnest of silver linings
England’s fifth Test hammering at the hands of India compelled Ben Stokes’ side to a fourth straight loss and a 4–1 series defeat. The innings and 64-run defeat was all over in the second session of day three, and England left the pitch knowing they had lost to a team far better than themselves, but what one should also realise is that a lot of what has happened in India has been their downfall.
The first innings started well for England, with another 50+ partnership from Zak Crawley (who went on to get 79) and Ben Duckett setting up their side to reach 175–3. Then came the chaos.
England lost seven wickets for just 43 runs, in a collapse that put the nail in their coffin on the first day of this match. India have batted long and gone big with their first innings totals in this series. In three matches this series India have scored more than 400 in their first effort, with one seeing them fall just short with 396. In Dharamshala, they racked up 477 thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Devdutt Pakkital and 50+ contributions from the middle order (something England can only dream of at present).
The big stand saw England spinner Shoaib Bashir take a hard-fought five wickets after bowling over 43 overs. The other very thin silver lining to this gloomy cloud of England’s performance was James Anderson becoming the first fast bowler ever to reach 700 Test wickets. Kuldeep Yadav was his 700th victim when he edged behind to Ben Foakes, and he is now just eight behind Shane Warne a feat that if he surpasses will see Anderson become the second-leading wicket-taker ever in Test cricket- a true magician of the game.
England’s second innings started badly and quickly got worse. 2–1 soon became 36–3 and only some stubborn efforts from Joe Root (84) and Jonny Bairstow (39) in his 100th Test made sure the third day would at least reach lunch. The middle and lower order failed to chip in and England were put out of their misery when Joe Root was dismissed.
Brendon McCullum has been frank in his summary of the series, believing his side had been exposed in India. He also went on to suggest the ‘Bazball’ approach to cricket will be redefined ahead of the summer series against West Indies and Sri Lanka.
He said: “Sometimes you can get away with things, but when you’re exposed in the way we have been in the back end of this series in particular, it does require some pretty deep thinking and some adjustment to make sure we’re staying true to what we believe in”.
These are some powerful words from the head coach, and with four months until Test cricket is back on the agenda for England. A complete overhaul isn’t needed, but tweaks are required, and knowing when to go on the offensive and when to reign the attacking play in will be key in giving ‘Bazball’ the rebirth it probably needs.
