Former India opener Aakash Chopra opined that England might struggle to chase down 300 runs in the fifth Test of the ongoing series. Speaking after Day 2, Chopra pointed out that the absence of Chris Woakes has weakened England's bowling attack and India can take advantage of this.
At stumps on Day 2, India's score read 75/2 in their second innings. They have taken a lead of 52 runs. Earlier in the day, they had bowled England out for 247, having themselves posted 224 in the first innings.
Chopra suggested that without a fourth seam-bowling option, England’s attack could tire, giving India an edge in the crucial stages of the match.
Aakash Chopra’s Take on England’s Bowling and Chris Woakes’ Absence
Chopra talked about the pressure on England’s limited bowling options. He noted that Yashasvi Jaiswal has already done great damage in the short time at the crease and that the absence of Woakes would only make things tougher for the hosts.
"Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 51 out of the 75 runs. He is still not out. The opposing team has used only three bowlers. Woakes isn't available. So there will be a lot of pressure on them. However, the truth is that this match will keep running ahead fast. Having said that, how much can three bowlers bowl?" Chopra said as quoted on his YouTube channel.
He went on to say that England’s attack looked incomplete without a fourth seamer and doubted whether England could chase 300 runs on this pitch.
"They will miss the fourth fast bowler. I don't think Akash Deep will be able to play for long. The pitch is doing a lot. For the first time, it seems like they are playing in England. It will be enjoyable if 225 more runs are scored. 300 runs might not be chased here in the last innings," he added.
The cricketer-turned-commentator then addressed the bigger question of whether substitutes should be allowed for serious injuries in a Test match.
"This time we are not saying that a substitute should be given as our guy has gotten injured. However, a genuine concern has arisen. We said this in Manchester when Rishabh Pant got injured, but a camp was vociferously saying 'No.'"
He remarked that the game had become uneven due to Woakes’ injury even if the pacer had not been in top form throughout the series.
"It's 10 vs 11. We had 10 there, and England have 10 here. Now the shoe is on the other foot. Assuming you miss Chris Woakes as a bowler, although he hasn't bowled very well in this entire series, he hasn't picked up too many wickets, but it's a question. You are going to miss someone," Chopra stated.
India Make Comeback on Day 2 of Fifth Test
India resumed their first innings in the morning and were bowled out for 224 with Karun Nair’s 57 ensuring they crossed 200. England made a blistering start in reply as their openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley raced to 92 inside 13 overs. However, their innings fell apart quickly after Crawley's’s dismissal, slipping from 129/1 to 247 all out.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed four wickets each. In their second innings, India reached 75/2 by the end of day’s play with Jaiswal unbeaten on 51.
Also read: Chris Woakes’ Shoulder Dislocation Requires Surgery, Threatens England's Ashes Plans - Report
