IND vs ENG / Team India has shot itself in the foot, now who will be responsible if it loses?

IND vs ENG: Four days of play have been completed in the first Test match being played between India and England in Leeds, and now the match has come to its decisive turn. The fifth and last day's play will decide which team will become the winner or the match will end in a draw. Although it is difficult to call any team completely dominant in four days of play, but India has lost an opportunity which it could have easily captured the match.

Crumbling backbone of Indian batting

When Team India scored 430 runs for four wickets in the first innings, it seemed that the score would cross 500. But suddenly the line of batsmen broke and the whole team collapsed for just 471 runs. The same story was repeated in the second innings as well, when the team which started from 333 runs for five wickets was reduced to 364 only. The lower order batsmen disappointed in both the innings.

Lower order failure

In the first innings, India lost the last seven wickets for just 41 runs, while in the second innings, the last six wickets fell for just 31 runs. The middle and lower order faltering like this is a matter of concern for any Test team. Especially when the conditions are favorable and the opposition bowlers look tired.

Questions raised on Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur, who has been included in the team as an all-rounder, is neither able to contribute with the bat nor is able to make an impact with the ball. When he was expected to score some runs in the lower order, he failed in both the innings. At the same time, he could not show the expected sharpness in bowling as well. In such a situation, the question is bound to arise whether he will be included in the playing eleven next time as well.

England has a big chance

England needs 371 runs on the last day to win the match, out of which they have scored 21 runs without losing a wicket in 6 overs. The English batting order is full of depth and aggression, which can be a challenge for the Indian bowlers. If India has to win the match, it will have to take wickets from the beginning. Otherwise, this match can slip out of hand.

Win, Lose or Draw - The Story of the Last Day

Team India is definitely a little behind at the moment, but it is also true that the conditions on the fifth day can change everything. If the Indian bowlers perform disciplined, then the match can go in their favor. But if England continues to bat aggressively, then alarm bells can ring for India.