Kumar Sangakkara, the legendary Sri Lankan batter and former captain, did not hold back in his assessment of India’s fragile top-order display late on Day 4 of the third Test against India at Lord’s. Speaking on Sky Sports, Sangakkara called out Yashasvi Jaiswal’s tentative shot-making and suggested England would be more confident heading into the final day.
Jaiswal has been one of India’s most exciting Test prospects over the past year. However, he struggled at Lord’s. His innings on Day 4 lasted just seven deliveries. Jaiswal top-edged a short-ball off Jofra Archer high in the air and Jamie Smith took the catch.
The dismissal capped off a frustrating day for India. Earlier, Jaiswal had fallen for 13 off 8 balls to the same bowler in the first innings.
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Also read: Watch: KL Rahul Stays Calm as Ben Stokes Mocks India's Delay Tactics at Lord’s
Kumar Sangakkara Criticises Yashasvi Jaiswal After Seven-Ball Duck in Lord's Test
Sangakkara pointed out how Yashasvi Jaiswal did not look at ease while batting and seemed mentally and physically drained.
"Watching Jaiswal in the first over that he faced, he didn't look comfortable, he didn't look watchable. He has spent a long time at short leg for India, and he has come out looking a bit jaded," Sangakkara said as quoted on Sky Sports.
After Jaiswal’s dismissal, India lost Karun Nair and Shubman Gill in quick succession. Nair misjudged a sharp nip-backer from Brydon Carse and was trapped plumb in front. Gill was undone by a Carse delivery that jagged back into his pads.
Akash Deep, sent in as nightwatchman, did not last long either. Ben Stokes cleaned him up with a peach. India slumped to 58/4 with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant left to shoulder the burden on Day 5.
As per Sangakkara, England will be more confident heading into Day 5.
"I think England will be more confident than India at the moment. The way I saw India bat, there were a few jitters. They seemed a bit negative," Sangakkara added.
With Rahul and Pant holding the fort at stumps, Sangakkara emphasised the importance of keeping the scoreboard ticking and not going into a defensive shell.
"If Rahul and Pant can stretch this partnership to beyond 100 for the team, then India are back in the driving seat. Pant will play his shots. You can’t go into your shell. If India do, England will be further in front. India must bat smart. Rahul can anchor but the rest have to score runs," he opined.
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India’s Hopes Rest on KL Rahul & Rishabh Pant
India now need 135 runs with only six wickets left. The target is not too big but with the top-order already back in the pavilion, the pressure is on.
Rahul and Pant will resume the chase on Day 5. Rahul has looked calm so far, while Pant is known for his attacking game.
If the duo can build a solid partnership, India will have a strong chance of pulling off a memorable win at Lord’s.
Also read: IND vs ENG: KL Rahul will be the main man if India are to win Lord's Test - Anil Kumble
