Team India should consider themselves a lucky lot, to be still alive in the England series. The tough situation they had put themselves under, there was perhaps no escape. But a valiant effort from the batters in the third innings meant, Shubman Gill’s men escaped with a draw at Old Trafford, with the series at 1-2.
After England posted a lead of 311, there was hardly any hope for the team, but then KL Rahul (90), and Shubman Gill (103) showed the way to Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, to draw the Test. Rest, it was just a poor outing for the unit. InsideSport takes a look at the team’s report card, after the Manchester Test.
Indian Top Order a Mixed Bag
Yashasvi Jaiswal (4/10) – He redeemed himself after twin failures at Lord’s and scored a 58 in the first innings, but was dismissed for a duck in the second by Chris Woakes. In the first innings too, it was a soft dismissal, and had he continued, India would have been stronger in the match.
KL Rahul (9/10) – This man is in a bid to transform his sinking Test career. He scored 46 in the first innings, and then went on to score 90 in the second, that too in 230 deliveries. He batted with Shubman Gill for around 73 overs, when India were 2 down for 0 in the first over of the second innings, on day 4.
Sai Sudharsan (5/10) – After 0 and 30 at Leeds, he scored his maiden fifty here. He batted calmly to score 61 from 151 deliveries, but couldn’t go on to get a big one. In the second, he tried to leave one in a shabby manner, and was ousted by Woakes. He is still not a finished product in Tests.
What Do You Say About Skipper and Vice Captain?
Shubman Gill (5/10) – 12 in the first innings, and then 103 in the second. He went on to score his 700th run in the series, and made sure, India went closer towards a draw. But that’s what saved his scores. He was rather poor in leading the team. Firstly, he once again overlooked Kuldeep Yadav, and then under-bowled Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. He just looked woefully out of plans.
Rishabh Pant (9/10) – What a player this guy is. After breaking his toe in the first innings, he came out to bat when he situation demanded, and went on to score a valuable 54. He overcame pain, even when he was on crutches after getting hit from the Chris Woakes delivery. Nonetheless, he is out of the series now.
Jaddu & Washi Make India Proud
Ravindra Jadeja (10/10) – First he took four wickets, and then in the second innings, went on to score a 100, his fifth in Tests. That effort came in 185 deliveries, and he added over 200 runs with Washington, in close to 60 overs. That was a massive effort from him.
Washington Sundar (10/10) – To achieve that a draw for his team, he too gets a perfect 10. At 223/4, India could have very well lost their way. But he stuck around with Jadeja, and gave him the license to go for the shots. He batted 206 deliveries.
Pacers Were the Least Impressive
Anshul Kamboj (0.5/10) – 18 overs on his debut, and he ends up giving 89 runs for a wicket. His bowling speeds were down to 120 kmph, which just show, he was fully fit. That is just poor on the part of the youngster.
Shardul Thakur (3/10) – Just like the Leeds Test, Gill showed lack of faith in Thakur. He bowled 11 overs for 55 runs. The only reason he gets some points is, he scored a valuable 41 in the first innings.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/10) – Maybe it was some niggle, or just that he couldn’t find his rhythm, Bumrah looked toothless with his bowling. That doesn’t happen often, but that is a signal, that he has had enough.
Mohammed Siraj (2/10) – Spare a thought for this bowler. He has played all the matches so far, and deserves a break. He looked tired in his bowling and thinking as well. He managed to pick only one wicket after bowling 30 overs.
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