Amid the ongoing 4th Test against India, former England captain Michael Vaughan took an indirect dig at the visitor’s Bazball approach. England were rocked by debutant India pacer Akash Deep, who struck thrice in the first session to leave the Ben Stokes-led side reeling at 112/5 at Lunch on Day 1. However, Joe Root and Ben Foakes put on a crucial stand of 113 runs to help England cross the 300-run mark on Day 1. Root, who ended up with a century, came out to bat with a different strategy, alongside Foakes, after Lunch, taking his time out in the middle to lead England’s recovery.
Vaughan was pleased to see that “common sense” finally prevailed in the England camp.
“Lovely to see Common sense Ball,” Vaughan posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
Lovely to see Common sense Ball .. #INDvsENG
” Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 23, 2024
Vaughan also reignited the pitch debate, labelling the track in Ranchi as a “shocker”.
“The old saying .. Do not judge a pitch till both teams have batted and bowled on it .. but let’s be honest .. this one looks a shocker,” Vaughan wrote in another post.
The old saying .. Do not judge a pitch till both teams have batted and bowled on it .. but let’s be honest .. this one looks a shocker .. #INDvsENG
” Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 23, 2024
Meanwhile, England were 302/7 at the end of the opening day.
Foakes hit a gritty 47 off 126 balls before being caught at short midwicket off Mohammed Siraj‘s delivery.
Root, on the other hand, scored his 31st century to rediscover his magic touch after a string of low scores in the first three games.
Root was unbeaten on 106 heading into Day 2, while Ollie Robinson was also batting on 31.
Root’s century came as a relief for him after criticism for throwing away his wicket off a reverse scoop as England lost the third Test.
For India, Akash Deep took three wickets while Mohammed Siraj also bagged a couple.
England are fighting to stay alive at 2-1 down in the five-match series.
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