IND vs ENG: Ajinkya Rahane flags bowling 'concern' ahead of Oval Test
Former India captain
Ajinkya Rahane
has expressed concerns about India's bowling department ahead of the fifth and final Test against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval on Thursday.
Despite India's impressive batting performance throughout the series, which includes 11 centuries matching their 1978-79 record against West Indies, they trail 1-2 after four Tests.
India's batting lineup has demonstrated exceptional form throughout the series, starting with the opening Test at Headingley. Despite losing the match, India produced five centuries, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 101,
Shubman Gill
contributing 147,
Rishabh Pant
scoring 134 and 118, and
KL Rahul
adding 137.
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"The India team is playing well, and the batting unit has been fantastic. What concerns the Indian team is the bowling department. A couple of bowlers are bowling well, but they are not getting the support," Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
India stay alive, England frustrated after draw; handshake drama at Old Trafford and more
The second Test in Birmingham saw Shubman Gill's outstanding performance, where he scored 269 and 161 in consecutive innings, helping India level the series 1-1.
At Lord's, KL Rahul scored a gritty 100, but India lost the match, falling behind 2-1 in the series.
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The fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw, keeping India's hopes alive. Gill continued his remarkable form with 103, while
Ravindra Jadeja
and Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 107 and 101 respectively. Their unbroken 203-run partnership proved crucial in saving the match.
Poll
Do you think Ajinkya Rahane's concerns about the bowling department are justified?
Absolutely, he is right.
Not really, they are doing fine.
The batting conditions in England have favored the batsmen throughout the series. The difference in bowling performance between the two teams is minimal, with England claiming 70 wickets compared to India's 65 across the four Tests.
India suffered defeats at Headingley and Lord's, where England's bowling proved superior. However, they managed to force a draw at Old Trafford in Manchester, setting up an exciting finale in London.
The series now moves to The Oval for the decisive fifth Test, with India looking to address their bowling concerns and level the series.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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