'Needed Buttler kind of finish which England got': Parthiv Patel on India's failed chase at Lord's
New Delhi, July 20
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes the decisive difference in the third ODI at Lord's was England's explosive finish with the bat, saying India paced their record chase admirably for most of the innings before falling short in the closing stages as England sealed a 2-1 series victory.
Analysing India's chase, Parthiv said the target was always going to test the visitors, but felt the top order had laid a strong platform through a well-constructed chase led by Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli.
"It was always going to be difficult. 388 was a huge total. I thought India's openers, along with Virat Kohli, paced the innings really well. But you needed that Jos Buttler kind of finish, which England got," Parthiv told JioStar.
England had blasted 82 runs in the final five overs of their innings, with Buttler's late assault proving crucial in taking the hosts to 387/5. India, despite being in contention deep into the chase, could not replicate a similar surge and eventually finished on 360/7.
Parthiv pointed out that the contest remained evenly poised for much of the chase and suggested that the closing overs ultimately decided the outcome.
"Until the 47th over, India was actually ahead of England in the run chase. Those last three overs changed the game completely," he added.
The former India cricketer also said the match offered valuable lessons for India's relatively inexperienced bowling unit, particularly on the importance of executing plans under pressure at the death.
"That's the lesson young Indian bowlers will take away from this game, you have to finish well. Even if you're getting hit for a couple of sixes, you need to know how to close out the over," Parthiv stated.
Parthiv reserved special praise for Rohit Sharma, whose 138 at Lord's kept India firmly in the hunt and briefly raised hopes of a record chase. He highlighted the veteran batter's measured approach in the early stages, then accelerated once he assessed the conditions.
"Credit to Rohit Sharma as well. He batted brilliantly. India were 49 without loss after the first 10 overs. He took his time and understood the pace of the game and played an outstanding knock," Parthiv said.
Rohit's innings, the first ODI century by an Indian batter at Lord's, formed the backbone of India's chase, but England's superior finishing with both bat and ball ultimately proved enough to secure victory in the series decider.
— IANS
Reader Comments
India were in control for most of the chase, but the last few overs were a complete mess. Parthiv is right about the young bowlers learning from this. But honestly, I felt the batting also lost momentum at the wrong time. Hardik and Pandya both gave away their wickets cheaply. Bhai, finishing chases is an art we need to master!
A valid analysis from Parthiv. India's top three looked solid, but after that it was all over. That 82 runs in the final five overs from England changed the complexion of the game. India's death bowling is a real concern. Still, a great series overall. On to the next one!
I think we need to give credit where it's due. England's bowling in the death overs was exceptional. They attacked the stumps and didn't give any width. India could have tried a bit more aggression from the start of the chase, but it's easy to say in hindsight. Parthiv always gives balanced views. 👏
I think Parthiv's analysis is fair, but it's too simplistic. India's batting line-up is top-heavy. Once the top three fail or get out, there's no depth. And the middle order is still not adapting to different situations. India need to sort out their death bowling and batting combinations urgently.
Parthiv has hit the nail on the head. The young pacers need to learn how to bowl in the death. It's not just about pace, it's about executing yorkers and slower balls under pressure. England's
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.