LONDON — After a promising start to their Test series against India, England’s hopes were dashed in a crushing defeat in Rajkot, reigniting familiar frustrations among players and fans alike. The 434-run loss—England’s heaviest in terms of runs since 1934—has laid bare the recurring issues that continue to hold back Ben Stokes’ side.
Batting collapses and reckless aggression
England’s much-discussed "Bazball" approach, which had brought them thrilling victories in recent years, backfired spectacularly in the third Test. After winning the toss and opting to bat, England collapsed from 224-2 to 319 all out, with reckless shot selection costing them dearly. "It’s not about the style of play—it’s about the execution," former captain Michael Vaughan lamented on BBC Test Match Special. "England’s batters have the skill, but they keep gifting wickets at crucial moments."
Key concerns include:
- Joe Root’s dismissal—reverse-scooping Jasprit Bumrah to slip on 18—was widely criticized as unnecessary.
- Ben Duckett’s 153 was a rare bright spot, but his teammates failed to capitalize on the platform he set.
- England’s lower order folded quickly, with the last five wickets falling for just 29 runs.
Spin struggles continue
England’s inability to handle India’s spinners was another glaring weakness. Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin shared 12 wickets between them, exploiting England’s technical deficiencies against turning balls. "Our batters need to find a way to rotate strike better against spin," admitted Stokes post-match.
Meanwhile, England’s own spinners—Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed—struggled for control, conceding runs at over four an over. In contrast, India’s spinners maintained relentless pressure, stifling England’s scoring and forcing errors.
The Root conundrum
Joe Root, England’s most experienced batter, has endured a lean series, averaging just 12.66 after three Tests. His dismissal in Rajkot—attempting an audacious shot against Bumrah—sparked debate over whether England’s aggressive mindset is hindering his natural game. "Root is at his best when he plays traditionally," noted Nasser Hussain.
Bowling frailties exposed
England’s inexperienced attack, missing the rested James Anderson, lacked penetration. Mark Wood’s express pace yielded just two wickets, while debutant Shoaib Bashir, though promising, was inconsistent. India’s batters piled on 445 in their second innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double-century sealing England’s fate.
Stokes admitted, "We didn’t bowl the right lengths consistently enough," highlighting England’s struggle to adapt to Indian conditions. The absence of a world-class spinner—like India’s Jadeja or Ashwin—remains a long-term concern.
What next for England?
With the series now 2-1 in India’s favor, England must regroup quickly for the fourth Test in Ranchi. Possible changes include:
- Resting Root or moving him down the order to ease pressure.
- Bringing in Ollie Robinson for extra seam control.
- Reevaluating shot selection—balancing aggression with match awareness.
Former England coach Duncan Fletcher summed it up: "England have the talent, but they need to play smarter cricket. You can’t just attack every ball in India and expect to win."
For now, England’s fans are left wondering whether their team can bounce back—or if familiar flaws will continue to undermine their progress. The next Test will be a defining moment for Stokes’ leadership and England’s evolving approach.