India vs England 3rd Test: Former India captain Anil Kumble opined that in the recent third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Lord's, Ravindra Jadeja should have aggressively targeted Shoaib Bashir instead of exposing Mohammed Siraj for three crucial deliveries. On the fifth day, India ultimately failed to chase down the target of 135, falling 22 runs short.
Kumble also evoked memories of a heartbreaking loss in Chennai 26 summers back, underscoring how split-second tactical decisions can alter a Test match’s outcome.
Kumble Recalls 26 Summers Heartbreak In Chennai
Anil Kumble recalled a memorable Test in Chennai 26 summers back, where despite Sachin Tendulkar’s epic 136 played with back spasms, India lost by 12 runs. In that match, Javagal Srinath was dismissed by off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq in a fashion eerily reminiscent of how the ball later trickled down to dislodge Siraj’s stumps at Lord’s.
Kumble remarked, "I was just reminded of one Test match where I lost by 12 runs against Pakistan in Chennai. It (Siraj's dismissal) was a similar kind of dismissal. Just 22 runs. Jadeja left stranded. I mean, he planned to get India this close to winning. But England just stuck to their task."
Kumble Critiques Jadeja’s Tactical Approach
Kumble noted that during the run-chase, Jadeja was taking singles off the fourth or fifth ball of each over. He believed that instead of playing it safe, Jadeja should have seized the opportunity by targeting slower bowlers like Chris Woakes, Joe Root or even Shoaib Bashir, rather than risking the match by exposing Siraj for three deliveries.
Kumble remarked, "He would have identified the bowlers he could target. Like I mentioned Chris Woakes, who's slightly slower in the air, and Joe Root or Bashir. Even though they're off-spinners, it wasn't like the ball was turning square."
"Ideally, if someone had to take the risk and get out, it should have been Jadeja rather than Siraj… Giving Bashir a full over was risky. That's when he could have gone after him."
Praise For Jadeja’s Resilience Amidst Pressure
Kumble praised Jadeja for his stellar unbeaten 61, noting, "He was outstanding throughout. He came in early, sixth over of the day, and remained unbeaten. To double the score after being 82 for 7 with just Bumrah and Siraj is incredible."
Jadeja’s approach in farming the strike with Bumrah and Siraj nearly steered India to 170 in pursuit of 193. He also pointed out that other batters missed their opportunities while conceding extras – 32 in the first innings and almost 65 across both.
Concerns Over Siraj Fitness
Kumble added that Mohammed Siraj appeared unsettled after being struck on the shoulder by Jofra Archer in the previous over. He observed, "It's not like he was looking to take the bowler on, but the silly point coming in added pressure. Thought that was a great chance to pull off a historic win."
Kumble further termed the Lord's Test as "great advertisement for Test cricket." He noted, "All three Tests have gone down to the wire, and both teams have fought brilliantly. Yes, the scoreline says 2-1 to England, but if you look at session-wise performances, it's been even."
(With PTI Inputs)
