Follow UsIndia were in a good position in the first Test in Leeds with the top and middle order batters setting up a great platform for a huge first innings total; however, a self-destructive collapse followed that, and the team failed to bat England out of the game.
The same story repeated in the second innings, as despite five centuries by Indian batters in the game, the team fell short of runs as the lower order failed to contribute.
Speaking on Star Sports, the former Indian opener Sanjay Bangar said that the team needs to bat the opposition out of the game by capitalising on the platform set and taking the total out of their reach.
“When you have an advantage batting first or third, try to put the match out of the opposition’s reach. In both innings of the first Test India had the opportunity but could not do that due to which England chased the target they got,” Bangar said.
The former Indian batting coach also said that the team management needs to find ways to bring Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test, as the aggressive England batters have a poor record against him.
“The team will have to think a bit on how to bring in Kuldeep Yadav,” Bangar said.
“Given the approach we saw from England’s batters in the first innings, Kuldeep Yadav being a wrist-spinner, the English batters have not done well often against wrist-spin.”
Bangar also hoped that the pacers at Edgbaston would be able to provide more control and not repeat the mistakes from the first Test, where they failed to support Jasprit Bumrah.
“The third thing to see is how the fast bowling attack can give more control. Many bowlers conceded runs in excess of five runs or more per over in the first Test. That does not give the control captain and Bumrah, who bowled well from one end, did not get enough support either,” Bangar remarked.