As the 2nd Test between India and England roll out on the fifth day at the Lord’s Cricket Stadium, former skipper Michael Vaughan has named England’s biggest threat on the final day of the Test match.
After an early collapse where India were left stranded at 55/3, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s 100-run stand revamped things for the visitors. Both of them were under pressure after a string of poor performances but delivered the goods just when India needed their experienced batters the most.
It's Stumps on Day 4⃣ of the 2nd #ENGvIND Test at Lord's!#TeamIndia move to 181/6 & lead England by 154 runs.
6⃣1⃣ for @ajinkyarahane88
4⃣5⃣ for @cheteshwar1 @RishabhPant17 (14*) & @ImIshant (4*) will resume the proceedings on Day 5.Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/KGM2YELLde pic.twitter.com/ulY0tJclSl
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2021
Just when things were starting to look good for India, at 155-3, England bowlers made their team’s comeback and reduced the visitors to 181-6 at stumps on Day 4. The onus will now be on young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant to lead the batting from the front and propel India to a challenging total and set the final day’s game.
Ahead of the day’s play, former England captain Michael Vaughan feels England are sure favourites but named the biggest threat from Team India who can spoil their chances. He wrote on Twitter:
“England favourites but only just … an hour of Rishab in the morning & that all changes … #ENGvsIND”
England favourites but only just … an hour of Rishab in the morning & that all changes … #ENGvsIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 15, 2021
Batting coach Vikram Rathour defends Team India batters
Team India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour has defended the faltering Indian willow-wielders, saying lean patches are part and parcel of the game and it’s a matter of time before runs start flowing from their bats again.
“Not really. Not really,” Rathour said when specifically asked if continuous non-performance of the batters abroad puts him under pressure.
“But of course, we are working hard, it is an unique kind of situation where we are working hard with the players. As long as they are tying their best, working hard or practicing well, results will come. These phases will come,” said Rathour.