Former England captain Nasser Hussain stated that the burden is on India to win the second match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as both teams enter Day 5 at Edgbaston. England, who lead the series 1-0 after a resounding victory at Headingley, have been given a difficult target of 608 runs.
Nasser Hussain stated that if the match finishes in a draw, concerns will be raised about India’s decision to bat late on Day 4 during their second innings.
He also emphasised that England should approach the last day with a positive mindset rather than allowing the Englishmen to play out the rest of the game, resulting in a draw that lets the hosts to preserve their 1-0 series advantage.
“There is a lot of pressure on India.” You must have a high opinion of England to set them at 600. If they draw, many will wonder why they batted for so long, and whether Gill believes in his attack. I believe he believes in his assault, but today will determine whether or not they can take those seven wickets,” Hussain told Sky Sports Cricket.
“I believe the focus is on picking the seven wickets rather than the target, as well as how England plays. They have rarely been in this circumstance and have publicly said that they do not play for draws. I believe they require positive intent and not to retreat into their shell. You don’t want them to just block, but you also don’t want them to be irresponsible. “It’s about winning the series, not just one Test,” the former English captain explained.
Mark Butcher urges England to seize draw chance
Adding to the same, the former cricketer Mark Butcher believes that the Ben Stokes-led side should consider playing for a draw in Birmingham. He noted that India had left a slight window of opportunity by batting deep into Day 4, and urged England to capitalize on that chance to avoid defeat.
“I don’t think it takes too much of a shift of attitude for England (to contemplate the draw). You could look upon escaping from this game as a win in itself. England talks about being in the entertainment business—well, we can all remember entertaining draws, people on the edges of their seats with a wicket needed, and three overs left, or whatever it might be. Are the fans going to be more entertained by you falling over in a heap or by you clinging on by your fingernails at the back end of the day?” Butcher expressed.
“I think we know the answer to that. And I think it would be a massive feather in the cap of this team if they were able to do it. I also think that all the motivation England needed was India not declaring until late last night. They are giving you a gilt-edged chance to escape from here without losing a match that they really and truly should have been buried in. Use that to your advantage,” the cricketer-turned-commentator concluded.
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