In the wake of India's 22-run loss in a nail-biting third Test at Lord's on Monday, ex-England spinner Monty Panesar has advised the visitors to rethink their approach towards facing fast bowling.
The defeat gave England a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, with the home fans celebrating wildly after a closely contested match.
Panesar responded after India were bowled out for 170 on a nervous last day in pursuit of a modest 193. England's bowlers, battered by injuries and exhaustion, showed no signs of letting up. Shoaib Bashir—bowling on a fractured finger—sealed the final wicket, bowling Mohammed Siraj in unorthodox manner as the ball rebounded off the bat and onto the stumps. Siraj bowed his head in shock, reliving the desolation of James Neesham in the 2019 World Cup final at the same venue.
"Since India lost this Test match, I believe they will have to consider how to play fast bowling," Panesar said to IANS after the game. "We have just witnessed the uneven bounce of the pitch. The Indian batsmen played with a bit of hesitation."
India's optimism was all on the shoulders of Ravindra Jadeja, who showed incredible calmness to score an unbeaten 61 — his first fourth-innings half-century — from 150 determined balls. India fell short of what would have been a legendary comeback victory despite his valiant efforts.
Panesar referred to Karun Nair's dismissal as the game-turning moment: "First he wanted to play the full ball and then he left it — I think that was the opening moment for England. India need to consider how they are going to play fast bowling in the Old Trafford Test match, where the ball is going to be a little more pacey, a little more bouncy.". In my view, India should be crystal clear in their strategy against fast bowling."
He also pointed to a subtle momentum change that took place late on Day 4: "The way I think India's momentum changed was yesterday when they were four down and all the momentum was with England. But prior to that, it was when that incident of time-wasting occurred. That gave England slightly more momentum because they felt, well, you know, you're coming at us hard, ball is uneven."
Panesar also said the Indian team was advised against letting too much distraction enter their game strategy. "India did not have to do that. India should simply play their game. Don't involve yourself in these internal rivalry things. It does not benefit India. It pushes India out of their bubble. And then they start competing with England and not paying attention to what is best for them."
England's dominant 387 in the first innings, led by Joe Root's 104, laid the foundation for an evenly contested match. India came back strongly to equalize at 387 with significant inputs from KL Rahul (100), Rishabh Pant (74), and Ravindra Jadeja (72). Jasprit Bumrah's five-for (5-74) kept India in the match.
In England's second innings, Washington Sundar's neat spell of 4-22 restricted the hosts to 192, leaving India to chase a manageable target. But the visitors lost their way early and ended Day 4 at 58/4. In the final day, England skipper Ben Stokes spearheaded a remorseless bowling show, dismantling India's lower order and ending Jasprit Bumrah's determined 54-ball fight.
Read also| ICC Slams Siraj with Fine, Demerit Point After ‘Provocative’ Send‑Off on Day 4 at Lord’s
