‘… pure madness’: Ex-England skipper slams Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy on Day 4 | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'… pure madness': Ex-England skipper slams Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy on Day 4 Day 4 in India vs England 5th Test

Jul 05, 2022 10:40 AM IST

Bumrah, captaining India for the first time in Rohit Sharma's absence due to Covid-19 failed to put a lid on the rapid scoring rate - England scored at 4.54 runs an over in their second innings. This prompted cirticism from Kevin Pietersen.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen was not impressed with India captain Jasprit Bumrah's tactics on Day 4 of the ongoing rescheduled fifth Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Chasing a record 378 for a series-saving victory, England raced to 259 for 3 at stumps on Monday riding on three fluent half-centuries by Alex Lees, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. Bumrah, captaining India for the first time in Rohit Sharma's absence due to Covid-19 failed to put a lid on the rapid scoring rate - England scored at 4.54 runs an over.

India's captain Jasprit Bumrah, center, interacts with teammates Rishabh Pant, right, and Mohammed Shami during the fourth day of the fifth cricket test match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England(AP)
India's captain Jasprit Bumrah, center, interacts with teammates Rishabh Pant, right, and Mohammed Shami during the fourth day of the fifth cricket test match between England and India at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England(AP)

"I don't think Bumrah got his tactics right today at all, and I say that with the greatest deal of respect," Pietersen told Sky Sports at the of the fourth day's play. The former attacking batter also pointed out the problems with India's field placements in the last session when the ball was reversing.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also Read | Indian fans racially abused in Edgbaston, ECB reacts as photos, videos go viral

"There is no way with a reverse swinging ball that he should make it that easy for the batter, because the batter is trying so hard to decipher which way that ball is swinging. When it's reverse swinging at 90mph, the nicest place to bat is at the non-strikers end, and the ability to get to the non-strikers end as easily as they did this afternoon, it's too easy," he added.

India bowled with an in and out field with protection in the deep for the most part of England's second innings, which did not go down well with Pietersen. "They had long off and long on, and that was pure madness. For half an hour that was pure madness. Even for the last 15-20 minutes of the day's play, pull them right in, say 'Jonny, if you're good enough to hit me over the head, please do it,'" he said.

India did make a strong comeback with three quick wickets after a century opening stand but Bairstow (72*) and Root (76*) took the game away from the visitors with another counter-attacking century-plus stand for the fourth wicket. England were only 119 runs away from pulling off another record run-chase unless India manage to pull off something incredible in the first hour of Day 5.

"I hope they don't do it tomorrow morning, but for England's sake, absolutely, let them spread them as far as they want," Pietersen said.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On