Former India captain and ex-head coach, Anil Kumble, has delivered a strong message to England's captain, Ben Stokes, and head coach, Brendon McCullum, urging them to introspect after their series loss against India. Kumble emphasized that Test cricket demands playing according to the situations that unfold.
India clinched victory against England by five wickets in Ranchi, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the 5-Test series. This win marked India's 17th consecutive Test series triumph at home, establishing a remarkable record.
It's noteworthy that this series loss for England comes under the leadership of Brendon McCullum, who took over the head coaching role recently.
Reflecting on England's performance and the impact of Bazball (referring to the pink ball used in day-night Tests), Kumble acknowledged the immense challenge of defeating India in their home conditions. He stressed that England's bowling attack lacked the potency required to trouble India's formidable batting lineup.
Kumble also pointed out the inconsistency in England's senior batters' performances, particularly mentioning Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and Joe Root. While acknowledging their occasional brilliance, he highlighted the importance of adapting to different situations in Test cricket, as demonstrated by Joe Root's success in the Ranchi Test.
Furthermore, Kumble shared his assessment of the pitch conditions in Ranchi, noting that the slower pitch and other external factors like DRS calls can affect a team's mindset, ultimately providing an advantage to the opposition.
In essence, Kumble's remarks underscore the fundamental principles of Test cricket, emphasizing the significance of adaptability and mental strength in overcoming challenges on the field.
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