Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain has hailed England’s pace bowling attack for their exceptional effort on Day 4 of the Headingley Test against India. Inzamam-ul-Haq stated that though conditions favoured batting, England’s bowlers made the ball talk.
Resuming on the overnight 3rd-day score of 215 for 2, India crumbled to 278 all out inside the first session on Saturday to hand England victory by an innings and 76 runs. Ollie Robinson was the star performer for England with a five-for while Craig Overton ended with three scalps.
Inzamam-ul-Haq Credits Exceptional England’s Bowlers Including James Anderson Who Didn’t Leak Free Runs
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Inzamam-ul-Haq praised England’s fast bowlers for unsettling India’s batting.
“Full credit to England’s bowlers, they were exceptional at Headingley. Despite conditions being suitable for batting on Day 4, England’s pacers were top-class. Their line and length was on the mark and they were rewarded for their consistency. James Anderson may not have picked many wickets but he did not give away any free runs,” said Inzamam-ul-Haq.
“He kept the Indian batters under pressure throughout and never allowed them to settle. All the England bowler bowled really well. There was plenty of pressure on them in the previous two Tests but they handled it in a commendable manner,” said Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The former Pakistan batter added that the result of the last two Tests could have a lot to do with how the pace bowlers of the two sides perform.
“Team India’s bowlers too have been fiery and aggressive in the three Tests. India did not play well in the third Test but were impressive in the first two. England came back superbly at Headingley. Looking ahead in this series, both sides have very good fast bowlers. So we can expect great competition going ahead,” Inzamam-ul-Haq said.
England, yet again, produced a brilliant spell of fast bowling to dismantle the Indian batting line-up, taking eight wickets in the first session on Day 4 to bowl out the visitors for 278 in the second innings and win the 3rd Test by an innings and 76 runs. The emphatic win at Headingley in Leeds helped the hosts level the five-match series at 1-1.
Joe Root Lauded England Bowlers After Headingley Triumph
England captain Joe Root hailed the team’s bowlers after the hosts outshone India by an innings and 76 runs at Headingley. With the win, England also squared the five-match series 1-1.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Root said: “It was fantastic, clinical performance, the two big lads were exceptional, built pressure early on. Three maidens this morning, and we felt we were in a good place to take wickets. When chances came we took them.”
While Ollie Robinson and Craig Overton starred in the second innings, it was James Anderson who set it up for England with three massive scalps on Day 1. Joe Root said the 39-year-old veteran is undoubtfully the Greatest Of All Time in Tests and one can learn from his.
“What he does, why he’s the GOAT of Tests. He sets a wonderful tone for the bowling group. At his age, to be as fit as he is, it’s wonderful for the others to learn from.”
The fourth Test of the India-England series begins at The Oval on September 2. Virat Kohli hinted at resting players, opining that it’s a sensible and logical thing to do.
Virat Kohli didn’t name players who need rest and the fans will have to wait till the toss time to know India’s playing XI. As far as changes are concerned, Ajinkya Rahane’s struggles in the 3rd Test could open the gates for either Hanuma Vihari or Suryakumar Yadav. Ravichandran Ashwin, who was in consideration to play the Lord’s Test, could also walk into playing XI if the conditions favour spinners.
Wriddhiman Saha, who has played 38 Tests scoring 1251 runs at an average of 29.09, could now be drafted back because he is technically more correct with the bat and can leave balls and occupy the crease – something that is needed to succeed in England.