Former England skipper and legendary all-rounder Sir Ian Botham said India outplayed England in all three domains. In fact, India was able to tick the right boxes in the third Test match at Trent Bridge.
Botham believes India coming back into the series is a good sign for Test cricket. England won the first two Test matches whereas India was able to come back to make it 2-1.
Sir Ian Botham praises India.
Sir Ian Botham wrote in his column of Sky Sports, “As Much As I Love And Support England, From A Cricketing Point Of View, India Winning Here Is Really Building This Into A Great Series.”
India was able to post 329 runs on board in the first innings. Subsequently, the visitors were able to get the better of the hosts for 161. Furthermore, Indian slip catching was up to the mark.
Consequently, Sir Ian Botham praised India to outclass England in all the three domains of the game.
“Let’s Be Honest, India Have Outplayed England In This Game. They Out-Batted Them, Out-Bowled Them And Out-Fielded Them.”
On the other hand, one positive for England in the third Test match at Trent Bridge was Jos Buttler. The combative right-hander was able to score his maiden Test century as he held the Indian bowlers at bay.
“One positive for England was Jos Buttler. If there was any debate to be had over whether he has what it takes to be a Test player, he put it to bed with his century on day four. Personally, I never had any doubt.”
Sir Ian Botham also heaped praises on India’s most experienced fast bowler, Ishant Sharma. The lanky fast bowler was able to breathe down the neck of England’s openers.
“It Was Tough For The England Top Order Again Though, And Alastair Cook And Keaton Jennings Continue To Struggle Against Ishant Sharma, Who Is A Fantastic Bowler To Left-Handers – He’s Worked At This And Developed This Skill Over A Period Of Time.”
India was right on the money in the third Test match at Trent Bridge where they won by a huge margin of 203 runs. The fourth Test match will take place at Aegis Bowl, Southampton from 30th August.