Ashwin’s Surprising Reaction to England’s Strategy

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his astonishment at England’s unexpected strategy during the third Test against India at Lord’s. Known for their aggressive ‘BazBall’ approach, England’s decision to adopt a more conservative ‘PrankBall’ style left many, including Ashwin, puzzled. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ashwin accused England of betraying their own cricketing philosophy by opting for a slower pace, which contradicted their usual high-scoring tactics.

England’s Shift from BazBall to PrankBall

Ashwin highlighted the stark contrast in England’s performance, noting that the team typically scores at a net run rate of 4 to 4.5 runs per over. However, during this match, they managed only three runs per over. Ashwin emphasized the importance of Joe Root’s performance, praising his innings as a masterclass in Test cricket. Root’s ability to adapt and score under challenging conditions was crucial for England, according to Ashwin.

Pitch Conditions and Comparisons to Subcontinent Wickets

The pitch conditions at Lord’s also drew comparisons to subcontinent wickets. Ben Stokes had previously likened the Edgbaston pitch to those found in the subcontinent, and Ashwin observed similar characteristics at Lord’s. He noted that the ball softened after 60 overs and highlighted an instance where a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja hit Joe Root’s bat low, indicating variable bounce and pace.

India’s Strategy Moving Forward

Looking ahead, Ashwin suggested that India could capitalize on the pitch conditions if they manage to restrict England to a score below 350. He advised Indian bowlers to aim for early wickets in the next session, as prolonged play could lead to unpredictable pitch behavior. Ashwin believes that India’s chances in the game hinge on their ability to exploit these conditions effectively.