With a 378-run target on the board, India seemed to have put themselves in pole position to win the Edgbaston Test. But, little did they know of the performance England batters will put up on Day 4. Barring Jasprit Bumrah, no bowler has managed to pick up a single wicket. This is where many experts and fans have rued the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin.As was the case in the first four Tests against England last year, Ashwin only warmed the bench as Ravindra Jadeja got the nod for th sole spinner’s spot. While Jadeja has justified his inclusion with a century in the first innings, his performances with the ball haven’t been as effective.
“Winning to losing position team India at Edgbaston. Why Ravichandran Ashwin was not in playing eleven who made the call, Dravid, as coach played so much in England, know the condition very well it’s England summer where the wickets get baked and dry and from day 3 ball gets to spin, where there is seam it will spin because of moisture. Only Bumrah looks that he can do wonders. India made the mistake and paying the price,” Kaneria said on the Koo app.
On Day 4, the Edgbaston pitch suddenly stopped assisting pacers entirely. The flat nature of the pitch made it pretty easy for batters to play their shots as Indians struggled to pick wickets.
England opener Alex Lees, who was spectacular with his 56, said that England only need 30-40 minutes to win the contest.
“If we bat well for the first 30-40 minutes tomorrow (Tuesday) morning we should be in a pretty strong position (to win the match). We are just very optimistic,” he said.
