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Ashwin Slams England's "Uncertain" Batting in T20 WC Loss to Sri Lanka

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sharply criticized England's batting approach after they posted a modest 146/9 against Sri Lanka. He suggested the 2022 champions are not playing to their aggressive potential due to possible uncertainty within the group. England's innings faltered after an early wicket and a subdued powerplay, struggling notably against Sri Lanka's spin attack led by Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana. Despite a fighting half-century from Phil Salt, regular wickets and disciplined bowling prevented England from building a competitive total.

Key Points: Ashwin Criticizes England's Batting Approach in T20 WC

  • Ashwin questions England's intent
  • Sluggish powerplay & middle-overs slowdown
  • Sri Lankan spinners dominate
  • Salt's fifty in vain
  • Below-par total of 146/9
2 min read

T20 WC: 'England refusing to play the brand of cricket they are capable of playing,' says Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin questions England's conservative batting against Sri Lanka's spin, suggesting team uncertainty led to their below-par total.

"England refusing to play the brand of cricket they are capable of playing. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

Colombo, Feb 22

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned England's approach with the bat after their underwhelming first-innings display against Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super Eights.

Reacting to England's 146/9, built on a sluggish powerplay and a middle-overs slowdown against spin, Ashwin did not mince words in his assessment of the 2022 champions' intent and clarity.

"England refusing to play the brand of cricket they are capable of playing. Happens mostly when there is uncertainty around the group," Ashwin wrote on X.

England, known for their aggressive white-ball template, struggled to assert themselves after early setbacks. Jos Buttler fell inside the Powerplay attempting an audacious reverse hit, and the innings never fully recovered momentum. Despite Phil Salt's half-century, the scoring rate dipped significantly through the middle overs as Sri Lanka's spinners tightened the screws.

Ashwin's remark points to a possible internal hesitation, a side caught between calculated aggression and scoreboard pressure. England's conservative approach against spin was particularly striking, given their established philosophy of high-tempo batting irrespective of conditions.

Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana, capitalised on that indecision. Variations in pace, subtle changes in lengths and disciplined field placements forced England into risk-averse strokes, a departure from their usual attacking blueprint.

Speaking of the first innings, Wellalage (3/26) and Theekshana (2/21) choked the middle overs after early strikes when England were left reeling at 37/2 in the powerplay, their lowest in the tournament.

Phil Salt provided resistance with a 40-ball 62, striking two sixes and six fours, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as Sri Lanka's spin trio, led by Wellalage (3/26) and Theekshana (2/21), controlled the middle overs with clever variations.

A run-out and disciplined fielding further dented England's progress. Late boundaries from Will Jacks and Jamie Overton briefly lifted the scoring, but Dilshan Madushanka's double strike in the 19th over and accurate death bowling ensured England finished with a below-par total.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it was fascinating to watch. The pressure of a World Cup can do strange things to even the best teams. England's batting template is built on confidence, and they seemed to have lost it completely in that powerplay. Wellalage was magnificent though! 👏
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Priya S
Honestly, I feel a bit for England. Conditions in Colombo can be tricky for teams not used to subcontinent spin. But Ashwin has a point about "uncertainty." When your captain gets out playing a reckless shot early, it sets a nervous tone for the whole innings.
R
Rohit P
This is why I love T20 World Cups! Any team can have an off day. Full credit to Sri Lanka, their spinners were world-class. But England needs to bounce back quickly. You can't win a WC playing scared cricket. #T20WorldCup
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Vikram M
With all due respect to Ashwin, I think he's being a bit harsh. It's one bad innings in a high-pressure tournament. Every team has a plan, sometimes it just doesn't come off on the day. Phil Salt tried his best. Let's see how they respond in the next match.
K
Kavya N
The middle-over slowdown was painful to watch! 37/2 in the powerplay is not the end of the world. They had wickets in hand but just stopped playing shots. Shows the importance of playing spin well, something our Indian batters excel at. 😊

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