Former England captain Alastair Cook had weighed in on England’s performance in the fourth Test against India, highlighting the challenge posed by Indian spinners on turning pitches. Notably, Team India orchestrated a remarkable turnaround as the third day witnessed India’s spinners seizing control of proceedings with outstanding bowling displays, completely dismantling the English batting lineup.
Need for consistency
Cook noted the disparity between England’s batting struggles against spin compared to their opponents’ efficiency on similar wickets. He emphasized the importance of consistency for England, especially against a formidable opponent like India. Cook suggested that England must maintain a high level of performance throughout the match to stand a chance of victory.
Impact of Indian spinners
Notably, England’s batting lineup was dismantled for a mere 145 runs by an inspired Indian bowling performance, spearheaded by the five-wicket haul from Ravichandran Ashwin. Consequently, India was left with a target of 192 runs to secure victory in the fourth Test, a goal that was subsequently reduced by 40 runs by the end of the day’s play, courtesy of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s resilient batting.
Cook acknowledged the impact of Indian spinners, particularly Ashwin, in dismantling England’s batting lineup. He underscored the necessity for England to adapt to the challenges posed by the Indian spin attack.
“We’ve seen today what a lot of people were worried about going into this series with the match-up of the two teams. Indian spinners on a turning wicket causing chaos for the England batters, and when England get the opportunity to bowl on the same wicket not having the same impact. For England to win a game of cricket, they have to be so good for the four days,” said Cook on TNT Sports.
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Analyzing England’s performance
Cook dissected England’s performance over the course of the match, highlighting moments where they fell short and allowed India to gain the upper hand. He pointed out the need for England to capitalize on opportunities and maintain their focus to compete effectively against strong opponents like India.
“Against this Indian side, who can be slightly off it but still in the game – if England are slightly off it, it will cost them. And for two- and a-bit days, England have been really good, but just this moment in the last three hours of cricket, England haven’t quite been on it and India have piled through that door and left [them] a mountain to climb,” Cook added.