Key Points

Ravi Shastri praised India's balanced approach in the first session of the Manchester Test, calling it a mix of caution and aggression. Nasser Hussain, however, felt England missed key opportunities despite creating chances. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten, giving India a strong start. England's Brydon Carse struggled with his rhythm, adding to their bowling woes.

Key Points: Shastri Praises India's Balanced Approach in Manchester Test Session

  • Shastri highlights India's disciplined batting in tough conditions
  • Hussain points out England's missed opportunities with the ball
  • KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal build a solid opening stand
  • England's Brydon Carse struggles with rhythm and length
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Shastri hails world class India for right mix of caution, aggression during 1st session at Manchester

Ravi Shastri lauds India's mix of caution and aggression in the first session of the Manchester Test, while Nasser Hussain critiques England's missed chances.

"The right mix between caution and aggression. They left a lot of balls and trusted their defence. - Ravi Shastri"

Manchester, July 23

Following the end of the first session of play at Manchester during the fourth Test, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri called India's performance a "right mix between caution and aggression," while ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain opined that England would look at themselves as an "unlucky" side despite creating so many chances for a wicket.

Despite a few edges and misses, India managed to escape the first session of the fourth Test unscathed, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal pushing up the attack during the final few overs.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Shastri said that keeping in mind the "overcast conditions, some pace around, and England having experienced bowlers," India delivered a "proper session" of "world-class" cricket.

"The right mix between caution and aggression. They left a lot of balls and trusted their defence. Then, towards the end of the session, they began to up the ante. Rahul just does not look like getting out," he added.

On the other hand, Hussain lamented the number of chances England missed with the ball going past the outside edge, with Chris Woakes managing to make Jaiswal toil initially. He also said that Brydon Carse looked "slightly off colour."

"He (Carse) did not seem to have the rhythm and bowled a bit short. The one criticism was that if England had been a bit fuller and bowled on the drive, there was enough movement to bring slips and gully into play," he concluded.

At the end of the session's play, India was 78/0, with KL (40*) and Jaiswal (36*) unbeaten.

Stokes won the fourth consecutive toss and opted to bowl against India in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday. India, trailing by 1-2, needs to conjure a win to keep the series alive. A defeat would mark the beginning of Captain Shubman Gill's era. However, after winning by 22 runs at Lord's, England will try to build on their previous successes and take an insurmountable lead in the series.

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Manchester, I must say India's batting was textbook perfect today. The way they adjusted to the conditions shows why they're world-class. England bowlers looked frustrated by tea time!
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Aditya G
Shastri is absolutely right about the balance. But I'm worried about our middle order - Pant and Jadeja need to step up if we lose early wickets tomorrow. England's bowling attack is still dangerous despite Carse's off day.
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Priya S
Yashasvi Jaiswal is the future of Indian cricket! So mature for his age. The way he handled Woakes' spell was brilliant. Hope he converts this into a big hundred tomorrow 💪 #ProudIndianFan
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Michael C
England missed a trick by not playing Anderson at his home ground. The experience could have made difference in these conditions. India capitalizing well on this selection error.
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Kavya N
The real test begins tomorrow morning with fresh bowlers. Hope our openers can survive the first hour. If we cross 250 without losing more than 3 wickets, we're in a strong position to win this Test and level the series! 🇮🇳
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Daniel Q
Interesting to see Shubman Gill's captaincy decisions

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