Our Bureau
London
When the England captain, Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first everyone expected fireworks with England batters going the Bazball route. However, the way the England team batted with the anti-attacking approach and played a more careful inning and this has led many to believe that they are moving on from their Bazball approach.
Ollie Pope, England’s No.3 batter was asked about why the English batters showed a more defensive approach to batting and ditched their attacking style. He stated that they were trying to adapt to the conditions and play a more cautious brand of cricket. He stated that India bowled well and didn’t allow them to continue with their attack first approach.
“We are trying to be better at adapting. We’d like to be 400-4, but the surface didn’t allow that. India bowled well, held their lengths well, and didn’t give us much. We are trying to develop as a team, realise when to press the button and attack, and when to absorb some pressure. That is something we are constantly working on, trying to get the balance right,” said Pope.
Pope, who scored 44 runs and was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, said that the team was looking to go big and would’ve loved a higher score at the end of the day. However, he felt that they didn’t lose much and could capitalise on their start on Day 2.
Pope said, “We would have liked more runs but the nature of the surface and the way the India attack bowled throughout means we had to adapt how we play. It’s a day we will take. Hopefully, we can kick on and get 400, towards 500.”
Although the England batters were looking to secure a total of somewhere over 400 or 500, Indian bowlers had a totally different plan. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge taking 4 wickets on day 2 completing his 5-wicket haul and getting his name on the Lord’s honours board. England were bowled out for 387 in the second session of the day with Siraj picking the last two wickets.
