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Rohit Sharma got out by playing pull shot to Mark Wood for 21 runs on day four of the Lord’s Test match. Cricketer-turned-expert VVS Laxman expressed his displeasure on the India opener after he yet again got out to a short ball trap set by England fast bowler Mark Wood on day four of the Lord’s Test match.

Mark Wood continuously kept bowling short before Rohit Sharma finally gave in when he mistimed a pull shot straight into the hands of Moeen Ali at deep square leg. VVS Laxman felt it was England’s plan was to bowl short-pitched stuff to the opener who is known to be a compulsive hooker and puller of the ball.

Mark Wood (R) celebrates the wicket of Rohit Sharma (L)

Rohit Sharma Unfortunately Fell Into The Trap Set By England: VVS Laxman

The former India middle-order batsman felt the 34-year-old should not have gotten out in such circumstances, considering the vast amount of experience he has in playing the red-ball game. Rohit Sharma was also out in the same manner in the first Test match at Trent Bridge for 36 runs.

Often there is a criticism attached in his batting of throwing away good starts due to playing the pull or hook shorts in the Test format. This is the fifth instance of the right-hand batter getting out in such a manner and, VVS Laxman questioned his shot selection.

“Rohit has let himself down. We have seen him get out in that fashion in the first Test in Nottingham as well. Sometimes your favorite stroke can lead to your downfall. In the very same over, he got a beautiful six-over fine leg.”

“When the opposition captain makes a change, it is very clear that it is their line of attack and they want Rohit to play (a particular shot). It was a trap for Rohit and, he, unfortunately, fell into that. He is a much more experienced player than what he saw with that shot selection.”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were both disappointing with the bat in the second innings after being dismissed for 21 and 20 respectively. While the opener was sent back to the pavilion while playing his favored pull shot, Virat Kohli chased a wide delivery bowled outside off.

Rohit Sharma Should Have Carried On As Felt By VVS Laxman Who Was Extremely Disappointed With His Shot Selection

Before Rohit Sharma got out for 21 runs, India also lost the wicket of in-form KL Rahul earlier for five runs. VVS Laxman felt Rohit Sharma should have cashed in on the start once he was set.

“After Rahul got out, it was very important for Rohit to carry on. The way he was batting, there were some beautiful drives. He was timing the ball really well. Rohit Sharma needed to carry on his good form. Very disappointed with that shot selection from Rohit Sharma.”

Rohit Sharma, India opener defended playing the pull shot that led to his dismissal on 36 in the first Test against England, saying if he sees the ball in his areas, he “has to play his shots”. Mohammed Shami (52*) and Jasprit Bumrah (30*) stitched a remarkable unbeaten 77-run stand for the ninth wicket as India got to 286/8 at lunch on Day 5 of the Lord’s Test.