Not many thought England could Bazball their way to victory in India. Even Sanjay Manjrekar and Kevin Pietersen predicted a two-day Test. But at the end of Day 3 of IND vs ENG Test, it’s even-stevens. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley showed the way, taking on Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin before Ollie Pope played one of his best Test innings, scoring an unbeaten 148 in Hyderabad. England’s World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan has backed that aggressive approach but warned that India will be the biggest test of their new method.
“England’s approach will be to continue being aggressive. It has been unwavering under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Their mindset has been encouraging despite the conditions,” Eoin Morgan.
In fact, there was no let off from England in IND vs ENG 1st Test. Zak Crawley, who 53, 0, 9, 5 on the last tour, set the tempo with 33-ball 30. Ben Duckett, who scored 13, 5 and 0 in three innings in 2016, smashed 52-ball 47. As a result, Ashwin went for 4.40 economy rate in 21 overs. Axar Patel conceded at 4.60 in 15 overs. Ravindra Jadeja conceded 101 runs in 26 overs at 3.90.
“Without doubt, this India tour – seven weeks, five Tests – will ultimately be the biggest test of England’s method. Throughout every stage today, India have batted like a side on top. They have been assertive and not let England in at any point,” Eoin Morgan said.
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