England Fall Short Despite Record Chase, Gough Questions Root’s Dismissal
England fell 106 runs short of a historic chase in the second Test against India, leveling the five-match series 1-1. While their aggressive approach earned plaudits, former bowler Darren Gough criticized Joe Root’s dismissal as “reckless” at a crucial juncture.
Chasing 399, England posted the second-highest fourth-innings total by a touring team in India (292), showcasing their newfound attacking intent under coach Brendon McCullum. However, missed opportunities, including Root’s dismissal, ultimately cost them victory.
Root, struggling with a finger injury, started brightly, hitting boundaries off Ravichandran Ashwin. But his attempt at a slog ended with a thick edge caught at point, leaving England at 154/3 with Root on 16.
Gough, speaking on talkSPORT, questioned Root’s shot selection: “It was just reckless from one of the top three batters in the world. He will regret that.” He clarified that “Bazball” encourages freedom within one’s natural game, not such high-risk shots.
Root’s dismissal mirrored England’s larger narrative – flashes of brilliance overshadowed by individual lapses. Later, Ben Stokes, who had revived the chase, was run out thanks to sharp fielding by Shreyas Iyer.
Despite the defeat, England showed glimpses of their aggressive intent. They put pressure on India at times, with Jasprit Bumrah’s three wickets proving crucial for the hosts.
The series now moves to Ahmedabad, with both teams aiming to take control in the crucial third Test. England will need to find a balance between their attacking approach and responsible shot selection, while India will look to capitalize on any English vulnerabilities.
India defeated England by 106 runs in the second Test at Visakhapatnam, India.The match was part of the England tour of India 2023/24. India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 209 in the first innings, helping India reach 336/6. In the second innings, India set England a target of 399.
England’s Zak Crawley top-scored with 73, but they were bowled out for 292, falling short of the target. India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were instrumental in securing the victory.
