Did India Strike the Perfect Balance of Caution and Aggression in the 4th Test Morning Session?

Manchester, July 23 (NationPress) Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, expressed that the visitors achieved an excellent start during the morning session on Day One of the fourth Test against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, thanks to openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal displaying a commendable combination of caution and aggression.

An unbroken opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal propelled India to 78 runs without loss in 26 overs at lunch on Day One. “That was a proper session from India, considering the overcast conditions, some pace in the air, and England fielding seasoned bowlers.”

“I thought India performed exceptionally well. They demonstrated the right mix of caution and aggression. They left many deliveries and relied on their defense. Towards the end of the session, they started to accelerate. Rahul looks solid and unshakeable,” stated Shastri during a Sky Sports broadcast.

After England won the toss and opted to send India in to bat first, Rahul exhibited remarkable composure, remaining unbeaten on 40 runs from 82 balls. Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Rahul for demonstrating the ideal technique needed to thrive in challenging conditions.

“He possesses a fantastic technique. He plays almost akin to an English opening batsman, which is a tremendous asset for this Indian team. All great players who visit England, like Kumar Sangakkara, emphasize defending straight and scoring square. That's precisely what Rahul has accomplished—an exemplary display of batting in English conditions,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal exhibited patience and remarkable discipline against England's bowlers, who were generating seam movement, finishing the session at 36 not out off 74 deliveries. “This tour of England will enhance Jaiswal's skills significantly. He was willing to endure the conditions this morning after his setbacks at Lord's—he respected the conditions and the new ball. Following that, he began playing positive shots about half an hour before lunch, showcasing his skills with the uppercut and the slash over the slips,” Shastri noted.

Hussain remarked that England was unfortunate not to dismiss either Rahul or Jaiswal but suggested the hosts could have bowled fuller lengths. “England may consider themselves unlucky, having edged past the outside on several occasions, particularly with Woakes to Jaiswal. I felt Carse was slightly off his game, lacking rhythm and bowling a bit short.”

“One critique was that if England had bowled a bit fuller and targeted the drive, there was sufficient movement to entice slips and gully into the game. You could place two gully fielders to Rahul, as he plays late and drives square of the wicket in the air,” he added.

When asked about India's strategy for the afternoon session, Shastri replied, “Begin anew in the afternoon. Bat as you did in the morning session, at least for the first 20 minutes. Then look to apply pressure on England, so the spinner gets into play.”

Hussain concluded by advising who England should kick off with in the post-lunch session. “I always believe you should start with your best bowlers for the conditions, and I think Woakes and Archer were the standout performers in the morning. Therefore, I would begin with them.”