Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
GSPN Cricket Podcast: Epsiode 4: Review 1st Test Eng v Ind: The Return of Bazball!
0 Plays2 seconds ago
Rohit and Bran review the 1st Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy at Leeds
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to Episode 4
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
G'day and welcome to episode four of the GSPN Cricket Podcast, um where we're going to be wrapping up the first test of India versus England up at Leeds.
00:00:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Seems like a million years ago now, what's happened in the cricket world since then. But um again, very warm and welcome to Bran all the way over there in Australia. How are you going?
00:00:33
B-Critical
Yeah, good. What a test it was. What a start to um the second, well, sorry, WTC4. um It's um three,
00:00:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Three. Four. Four. You're right. You're right. Losing track.
00:00:47
B-Critical
four, mate. Yeah, keep up.
Highlights of the Test Series
00:00:49
B-Critical
um Basically, yeah, started with a roadshow, let's call it, in um in in in Sri Lanka, Angelo Matthews' last test.
00:00:59
B-Critical
But um still going at the moment is Australia Windies, but we'll cover today the India England test. That was the first, that was the unofficial start.
00:01:11
B-Critical
No disrespect to our Bengali brothers out there.
00:01:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, probably the... Yeah, I mean...
00:01:16
B-Critical
But that most let's call it the bit slightly higher profile series in the...
00:01:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Coming from but more ra it but coming to a Sri Lankan person, it's fine. I think I'll understand. That's an unbiased perspective.
00:01:25
B-Critical
Yeah, get away i get a I get a pass.
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... yeah But moving on from that, look, you like like you said, we saw an enthralling first test up there in Leeds. um A game where if at the end of day one, if you thought it would end like the way it did, you'd probably get good odds, I would say, to better an England victory after day one.
Recap of Day One
00:01:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But...
00:01:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Walking through the game, um you know, Shubhan Gill's first Test Matches captain. fortunately or Unfortunately for him, he didn't have to make the decision. He lost the toss. And Ben Stokes sent opposition in.
00:01:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And at the end of day one, I mean, I think there were 360 plenty for three. It really, probably the thought that came to everyone's head back then was Nasser saying 2002 at the Gabba when Hayden and Ponting dominated and Langer dominated on day one and they were 360 odd for two.
00:02:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But cricket's a funny game. And while we saw on day one, we saw an amazing century from Jace Weil, who seems to light up everywhere he goes. um And also...
00:02:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
um after a quick couple of wickets from Stokes, we saw Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill in his first outing as captain put on an amazing ah put an amazingating partnership and Shubman Gill got a century towards the end of day one and as I said, it looked like very much an Indian game at the end of day one.
00:02:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that how you saw it as well?
00:02:52
B-Critical
Yeah, I mean, look, a lot of, let's start right from that toss. It was an interesting one. And most of the analysts on the day, you mentioned Nasser Hussain. He even questioned the logic himself, especially with the clear cast, sorry, clear skies forecast for after that first session.
00:03:12
B-Critical
So it was kind of seen
England's Day Two Performance
00:03:14
B-Critical
as overly aggressive. And um obviously Stokes and McCullum, their whole Baz Ball rhetoric has been, criticized of late but the way Stokes justified it he said if there is anything in this wicket it's going to be early um so yeah ah he believed it was going to get better to bat on
00:03:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think? What do you think? What did you think of the toss at the time? Because I mean, to be honest, I thought it was a reasonable toss to make. I felt that, you know, like the important thing to be said is that both captains are going to look bat.
00:03:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, sorry, we're going to look to bowl first. So I think the but um prevailing logic and not that these things are often thought of, thought it as deeply as probably the pundits out there say, but I think the prevailing logic was that there was a feeling that the pitch could have gotten better as the test went on. And Whatever is in the pitch will be discovered early on in the game. And probably didn't work out that way on day one. But then coming to day two, I mean, halfway through the day, yeah yeah you know, punt got to his century.
00:04:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah A man famous for probably yeah but got the second amount of 90s to Michael Slater, I would say. oh Or at least he's he's challenging that. i think he' got seven scores in the ninety s
00:04:26
B-Critical
What's he at? Is he at 7 now?
00:04:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's at seven.
00:04:28
B-Critical
Is he okay?
00:04:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he's at seven. So I think Slats and Steve Waugh got ten, but Steve Waugh...
00:04:34
B-Critical
forty 14. Didn't stats get something ridiculous?
00:04:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry?
00:04:37
B-Critical
I thought slats was more than 10.
00:04:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you got ten.
00:04:39
B-Critical
Got it, okay.
00:04:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he played half as many tests as Steve Waugh, less than half as many tests as Steve and he got the same amount of... ah ninety s So, yeah, I mean, Pant as well, he's got seven 90s in, what is it, 40 on tests.
00:04:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, it's quite high. and So, when he got a century in his first test as vice captain, I think, he showed a little bit more um but um determination, I would say. it took him a long time in the 90s. But, yeah, when he got there, it was good.
00:05:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But Indy were 430 for three. Now, you would think that you you would think that from there, you can't really lose the game. But India found a way to bring England back. and I would say England bowled very well, especially Josh Tung.
00:05:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they lost 7-for-41, think it was. Yeah, 7-for-41 in that first inning. um And that immediately brought England back
England's Innings Analysis
00:05:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
into the game. Now, at 4.30 for three, I know we were talking, we were saying scores like 700. Sydney, 2004.
00:05:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
sydney two thousand and four um but ah ah seven But then suddenly, a score like 4-7-1, even though it's good normally, um the momentum was definitely with England, and it gave them a sniff that they really shouldn't have had.
00:05:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that how you saw it as all, Brian?
00:05:58
B-Critical
Yeah, that was quite a loaded point there. But um yeah, so on that toss, you're right, in retrospect, the 3 359 at the end of day one, it definitely did not look like the right toss.
00:06:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:10
B-Critical
um At the time, though, was your first question. um No, at the time, I just thought Leeds traditionally gets worse. However, I also know that these days, pitchers are probably prepared for basball.
00:06:25
B-Critical
and Stokes would really have backed his side to chase um a big total batting fourth, as they have done.
00:06:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's interesting.
00:06:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you you think that this pitch was made according to England's strategy?
00:06:33
B-Critical
Do you know what I mean?
00:06:34
B-Critical
so I think that, yeah, I think,
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because in Australia, you know that the groundsmen and the team seem to be quite like arm's length.
00:06:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's not the case in the UK.
00:06:52
B-Critical
Oh, look, i'm not I'm not suggesting anything so sinister, but I just think that, you know, they make, they want to pitch for five days. They want this, let's call it aggressive, but at least the batting's aggressive.
00:07:04
B-Critical
That sort of style. um Jimmy Anderson's retirement was sort of encouraged. Do you know what i mean? So I just think all these things kind of fall into place and England's strategy going forward is um to cater to...
00:07:20
B-Critical
let's call it this new school of thought, basball. And um yeah, that that largely, these you know, you keep these wickets pretty flat till late in day four and day five, and it really encourages the sort of batting we saw, which to mind you wasn't overly aggressive, but was still relatively easy for late in the test.
00:07:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, so both teams went at over four. Right. So like England responded and they got 465. four hundred and sixty five So essentially parity. Um, but they were very much assisted by five drop catches in, by the Indian team.
00:07:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. Um,
00:08:00
B-Critical
In the first innings, that was in the first innings.
00:08:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
He got in the first innings. And by that time, Ollie Pope, who's placed in team with a lot of scrutiny, he's only in this side because of, you know, you some say meaningless runs against Zimbabwe, but they all count.
00:08:05
B-Critical
There was...
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And but now he came in and played an instrumental innings. It's probably going to be forgotten in the fullness of time because of all the other performances in the game. But, you know, what I found really strange, to be honest, with England as well, was some nonsensical batting at times.
00:08:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, Harry Brook, um you know, threw away, ah after being given three chances already, or two chances, um to give to absolutely throw it away at 99.
00:08:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
he did He literally picked out the fielder. He could have hit that ball anywhere. And then Jamie Smith getting out at the 80th over just before Boomerang was coming on. I just thought a couple of maybe smarter bits of cricket could have seen England, i you know, just ah ah keep, um you know increase the chokehold per se. But, you they let India back in
India's Second Innings Collapse
00:09:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
the game.
00:09:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Boomerah, again, bowled amazingly, especially and on day two where he took three top order wickets. But it's fair to say, Brent, the support cast, exactly what was raised in Australia in December, Jan, the support cast didn't really come to the party.
00:09:23
B-Critical
Yeah, exactly. I mean, Boomer himself did get a wicket denied off a no ball. um But that was and that was after a catch of Harry Brook was overturned.
00:09:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:09:38
B-Critical
so But yeah, definitely was a lot of drop catches. A lot of fingers will be pointed at Jace Wall. I think it was three for him to add to his shocker um in that tour you mentioned fondly, the last BGT tour.
00:09:53
B-Critical
um So, yeah, look, Wizkid with the bat, but um there'll be some serious questions asked about him um in the gully or fourth slip, was it, where he was fielding?
00:09:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:10:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
00:10:02
B-Critical
Yeah.
00:10:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's interesting because we're seeing it without deviating. we're going We're seeing it in the Australia West Indies series as well. A lot of drop catches. And um is it something we're seeing increasingly around the world?
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are standards dropping? Because even Steve Smith, if you compare him to like Mark Waugh, while Steve Smith grabs onto a lot of hangers, he seems to drop catches pretty frequently as well. And I just wanted to know, do you think there's anything in the game that – is that a trend or has it always been like this season?
00:10:31
B-Critical
Well, you're comparing it to probably one of the best areas of catching ever with Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, you know, John T. Rhodes. We're talking about some of the, like one of the best fielding areas of all time.
00:10:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it also helped that we didn't keep stats on drop catches back then. Yeah.
00:10:48
B-Critical
That's true. We always remember the hangers rather than the the drops. Mind you, there were we also do remember some of the average fielding there.
00:10:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:56
B-Critical
We we remember Inzi in the outfield, for example.
00:10:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:01
B-Critical
But, um you know, we do remember some like, you know, India, Sri Lanka, all the subcontinental teams in the early 2000s being below par. um So, the...
00:11:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
no More their ground fielding, though, rather than their catching, i would say.
00:11:13
B-Critical
the
00:11:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, Jay Wardner was probably one of the best catchers there was. And I think I remember the Sri Lankan fielders around the bat were good. But, look, we've already digressed too much. The big takeaway from that is, obviously, half at a halfway point in the game, we were at parity.
00:11:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, India had a lead six... And then I think it's that all the whole adage about the third inning being probably the most difficult innings to bat because in the third innings, when scores are parity or near about parity, plus or minus 50 runs,
00:11:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
um what we is What we often see is that the third innings has this conundrum where they don't know really, they don't know, sometimes there's difficulty knowing which way to go. Do you just try and bat the other team out of the game?
00:12:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you play for a, do you bat time? Do you try and, um, you know, get the conditions in your favour by declaring. and You know, we saw on the pink ball test, Tennessee sometimes declare so that the opposition team bat under life.
00:12:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think um India, though, they didn't face any of those challenges. Their
Analyzing England's Victory
00:12:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
second innings went as great as their first, where at one stage, they were They were 3-4-92. but drvernani But then, um and hundred nine nearly a 200-run partnership between Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who've done it before in the UK, if you go back to the Oval 2018, it was Rishabh Pant's first Test TUN.
00:12:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah These two, just again... At 3 for were leading by um close to 300. You would think that at that point, they could accelerate and England could um be essentially out of the game. And when a team is out of the game, you know, bad ball aren't known to really be able to defend.
00:13:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, India bottled it again. And this time, um yeah, this time what they lose, I think they lost 6-4-31. six four thirty one
00:13:12
B-Critical
Yeah, I mean, there's a lot of positives that sort of take out from that innings, like K.O. Rahul, you know, sort of cements that spot, and it's just very timely at the, you know, as Rohit Sharma's career ends, they, you know, unlike Australia, they don't have this woes as who their second opener's going to be.
00:13:32
B-Critical
You know, Jace Wall's found his partner K.O. Rahul now. Yeah, Saisa Darshan didn't do anything either innings, you know, at
00:13:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Safra's
00:13:42
B-Critical
wouldn't be surprised if Shazad came in for him. And, um, was it Shazad?
00:13:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
con. Oh, man.
00:13:51
B-Critical
What's his name?
00:13:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
software is con
00:13:53
B-Critical
Um, Safaraz, Safaraz. Sorry, what am I was saying?
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
of late
00:13:56
B-Critical
Yeah, Safaraz.
00:13:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:13:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was going to that he's not in the squad, though. And, you know, so going into, I mean, know, I guess going from there, the fact that India lost, what is it, 6 for 31 following 7 for 41 in the first inning.
00:13:57
B-Critical
Um,
00:14:01
B-Critical
yeah.
00:14:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's 13 wickets for 72 out of their 20 wickets. And it's very difficult. You one of the interesting stats about this is England obviously came and in the fourth inning, Ben Duckett played a masterclass of an inning, 149 on a pitch where he looked heads and shoulders.
00:14:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
above anybody else. Like, even Crawley, although they combined for nearly a 200-run partnership, Crawley got out for 65, and he he was striking at 50, but Duck was striking at 88.
00:14:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And the rest of the batters as well, they either got out early or they were really struggling for timing, like Stokes and River. But, you know, they won comfortably at the end. um India had a tiny bit of a sniff when a couple of wickets fell, but to be honest, the entire day, the entire last day went according to plan for England entirely.
00:14:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And um I feel that the result is a very... um Yeah,
India's Team Selection Debate
00:15:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's something... think It'll be a very bitter pill to swallow for coach Gautam Gambier, who... ah How many games... He started in the Bangladesh series. There's five games at home. Then the 10th... This is the 11th game, and he's only won three. And two of them are his first two against Bangladesh.
00:15:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
So in his last night, Yeah. It was like seven out of the last nine, perhaps, because they drew one in Brisbane, which probably should have lost anyway as well.
00:15:20
B-Critical
And he's lost eight out of the last nine.
00:15:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, um yeah, look dont talk to me about the team, right? I don't know. Like, I had an issue with Shardul Tuck with inclusion. I felt like we're kind of in India having a bet each way.
00:15:29
B-Critical
True, true.
00:15:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know
00:15:40
B-Critical
Yeah, I mean, the fact that Niteesh Kumar already was let left out after his um tour of Australia, we saw how handy he was, um and he probably would have done...
00:15:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
what's the ball, though?
00:15:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But see, if you think about this, Shadal Tako is taking the place of your fourth seamer. Right? Like, Judejo really wouldn't be picked only for his bowling in England. He's picked as all-rounder.
00:15:52
B-Critical
Sorry?
00:16:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think the way the team should be looked is that Stokes is the jadejo of the team, where he's picked day in, day out. And he can always do a job, whether it's attacking in India or defensively. looked pretty good in the last eight.
00:16:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I feel that India are a bit confused with the Shadul Thakur position because he's very much a bits and pieces player who's done well at times. You know, even the last time he played England, and he got a seventh for in South Africa.
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he got a few handy 50s as well that are match winning. But I think what Indian is lacking is penetration with their seam bowling attack. And I would have i would have probably made the tail weaker and played ice deep here because I think that you if your tail is giving you this anyway, aren't you better off playing your most weaker taking bowlers, ice deep or cool deep?
00:16:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Yeah.
00:17:01
B-Critical
Yeah, no, Arshteepe, there is talk about Arshteepe coming in for the next game, but that's more likely to be a replacement for Boomerah, isn't it?
00:17:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's a big gap.
00:17:10
B-Critical
So, I'm not...
00:17:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there's a big gap between this game and the next one. The next game is not until the 3rd of July.
00:17:20
B-Critical
Yeah, that's true. So you're saying based on that, Boomerah should be right to play?
00:17:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
i mean, he's going to play three tests, they say. I would say that would it would probably make more sense for him to be rested for Lords. Um... Although, yeah, i might because there's a short turnaround between but oh yeah either that or he could play at Lords and not at Birmingham. But what's interesting now, I find the Boomerah conundrum fascinating but because at the beginning of the Australian tour, you just saw Boomerah as an out-and-out legend, right?
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And he still is, for sure. But what I mean is, Because he broke down in Sydney, that is seen as now a chink in his armour. The way to play boomerang is literally get overs in his legs. And I feel like it's kind of... And I think when batsmen have that, when when you're when you counting down overs, right?
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Psychologically, it puts you in a lot more comfort knowing that but there's only a finite amount of boomerang you have to face. And that's not something teams think about when they face Robada, right?
00:18:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're like, if Robada...
00:18:24
B-Critical
Yeah, that's true.
00:18:25
B-Critical
but But if Boomer had the advantage of a Nagiti or a Norki like Rabada does, or if Boomer had a Hazelwood and a Stark in his side as well, would teams still be treating him that way?
00:18:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, think about this, though. last in This same England team against Boomer, Shami, and Siraj in 2022. I think we were at that game in Birmingham, right?
00:18:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
They smashed that attack.
00:18:51
B-Critical
Yep.
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
but um So, I don't know.
Boomerah's Impact on Player Legacy
00:18:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I think that any... he Like, you're right, but... because Boomerang's durability is questioned on an institutional level now, where the team has come ahead of the series and said that going to play him in three tests. My thing is, just play him in three tests and don't say anything.
00:19:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, say he's got a niggle or something like that. I just think now, it just means that they...
00:19:20
B-Critical
I think why they said it was to justify giving Gil the captaincy because everyone thought that Womro would give it.
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, for sure. For sure.
00:19:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know
00:19:26
B-Critical
So they wanted to, that was an explanation to the public.
00:19:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I mean... we all know without needing to explain to us that Boomerang is not going to be playing every single game. So I think that, I mean, I just thought that Boomerang, mean, look, as an opposition fan, I was counting down the overs in the Sydney test, knowing that Boomerah, you know, was injured. like you And when you have a bowler who's injured, I'm just saying, I just think it puts a lot of... put the It puts a lot of ease into the opposition team's mind. And I think India have a challenge here, that Boomerah is now... is going to be wrapped up in so much cotton wool, it's not funny.
00:20:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And um when when you have someone, something that fragile, I just think... um Yeah, like it plays into the hand. you can plan around it a lot easier. it probably the point I'm trying make.
00:20:13
B-Critical
Yeah, it definitely hurts his legacy, and especially when you...
00:20:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
What legacy? Not his legacy. I'm not talking about his legacy here. I'm just talking impact of the opposition.
00:20:22
B-Critical
That's true, but I reckon I'd take it a step further because we he was in the greatest ever conversation at the start of that, you know, series.
00:20:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. yeah
00:20:30
B-Critical
And even, um I mean, even before this test, Ravi Shastri said he's definitely India's greatest ever, ahead of Kapil Dev, and he said he's just put him second after...
00:20:43
B-Critical
Malcolm Marshall already. And when we look back in two decades time, like, are we going to say, you know, this guy who couldn't, you know, like it would be, it'll always be that thing.
00:20:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's playing.
00:20:56
B-Critical
Like, you know, he was great.
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't think so.
00:20:58
B-Critical
He played a lot of tests, but then by the end of it, he couldn't play five in a row.
00:21:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I don't think so. No, I don't think so at all. I think anyone who says that but he doesn't know a cricket because Don Bradman played a similar amount of games. Show of actors played the same amount games.
00:21:10
B-Critical
It's not about the amount of games.
00:21:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
all right Yeah,
00:21:11
B-Critical
There's a lot of there's a lot of ballers great bowlers that have played less games than him, but the fact that he can't play four five in a row.
00:21:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah but could show of actor play four or five in a row?
00:21:22
B-Critical
Yeah, but Schoepachta's not in the conversation of greatest of all time.
00:21:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but greatest of all time.
00:21:26
B-Critical
Schoepachta was known as fragile.
00:21:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but the greatest of all time, we're talking about your ability, not your durability, right? Now, again, it depends on how you define and great. I think we're talking ah in terms of wicked taking ability, which is ultimately what a bowler's job is.
00:21:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
For Bumrah's average and strike to be what it is, I think it's very fair that he's in the conversation for greatest of all time.
00:21:46
B-Critical
Well, yeah, there's not a metric. ah there's There's not a metric, I guess, that counts the games that um you miss, is there? So, on that note, yeah, you're right.
00:21:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's not, it's not that, I mean, there are metrics. You can't determine how many games he's missed since the beginning of 2018.
00:22:00
B-Critical
Yeah, but there's not a way to factor that into his average and strike rate and look at it, like, side by side.
00:22:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you mean by that?
00:22:08
B-Critical
Well, what I mean by that is you're saying they will look at his strike rate and average in isolation. and it your and ignore his durability when assessing his quality.
00:22:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I'm saying historically durability just hasn't been something that you've...
India's Cricket Strategy
00:22:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
um that you
00:22:27
B-Critical
and it hasn't And it hasn't needed to be, because there wasn't as much cricket play.
00:22:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
the
00:22:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
but's not It's not just how it needs it to be. It's more like a deciding factor, right? If two players have the same record, but one's done it longer, you do you go that way. But, i mean, again, my in my opinion, um how fit you are doesn't doesn't determine how great a bowler you are, really.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
and because we talk I think greatness, in my opinion anyway, when people talk about greatness, they're talking about ability, not the most useful for the team. i think that's what durability probably leads to. But anyways, we did digress a bit there.
00:23:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think that's India's big problem is, A, the backup bowling, but also the tail strength. So on one hand, you have players, their tail isn't able to bat, but they're not able to bowl as well.
00:23:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think that's a big issue. I think if you pick bowlers who can't bat, they need to be...
00:23:19
B-Critical
make sure they can both live.
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
we can but And so that's why I feel that... um A bit like England. If you think about England during a early 2018 2023, where it had a plethora of all-rounders, you know, you had Moeen, you had, um you know, Wokes, Bairstow, two keepers with Bairstow and Butler, and you had, um you kind of felt that England often chose these middling players, like a Moeen Ali ahead of their best spinner, because they wanted to um compensate with his batting.
00:23:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, I think that's a bit of a dangerous game because ideally you want to play your best passer and your best bowlers.
Emerging Talent in Indian Cricket
00:24:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right? And maybe India is missing a trick and not doing that.
00:24:06
B-Critical
Yeah, I mean, it's an interesting one because India's... Like, a lot of people could turn around and say, well, why are we looking for runs in the tail?
00:24:17
B-Critical
Where was Sai Sadarshan? Where was Nair? Do you know what I mean? Like, it's not like these guys scored either.
00:24:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah, but that's not, but I mean, but the assumption here is that everyone wants to do everything they can for the team at all times.
00:24:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. And...
00:24:31
B-Critical
Yeah, of course they want to, but what I'm saying is...
00:24:33
B-Critical
What I'm saying is, like... If you pick your best bowlers, and okay, um and then your tails your but your tail might be long, and how do you rectify your tail being long?
00:24:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But...
00:24:44
B-Critical
Pick your best batsman. And now is Sai Sudarshan, who's got a, you know, first class average just over 40, what are we expecting from him in Tess when there's someone like Asafaras on the sideline?
00:24:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but I mean, but even you pick your weapon,
00:24:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, again, I agree that um the selection of the squad is interesting. I think Saaf Brothers is pretty unlucky to be um not selected. But I think the powers that be have obviously made an assessment that his batting is more suited to aging condition.
00:25:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think you you, know, there's a school of thought which says that, you know, um you pick your players and let them perform everywhere. And you how are you going to get your chance if you're not given opportunity? mean, are you going to improve on that if you're given opportunity?
00:25:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I agree with that.
00:25:31
B-Critical
Yeah.
00:25:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that Saif Sedarshan has earned his call-up. um And, you know, his name is...
00:25:36
B-Critical
So do you don't think that i you don't think the IPL's biased that a little bit? Is that, I don't know, but did he have a great Runji Trophy season?
00:25:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the iPad...
00:25:44
B-Critical
Or not, I didn't haven't followed last season.
00:25:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
I probably need to look into it.
00:25:47
B-Critical
Yeah.
00:25:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's actually look look into this now while we're doing this. But ah yeah, i feel but we thought the reason why the IPL is biased is because you are playing against the best players there. It's not just biased to please the owners there.
00:26:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're doing it because...
00:26:00
B-Critical
Yeah, but you're playing yeah're playing a different game.
00:26:03
B-Critical
At the end of the day, they don't they select from
Selection Biases and IPL's Role
00:26:06
B-Critical
the Ranji Trophy.
00:26:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, Ava De Villiers
00:26:07
B-Critical
even after it Even after a decade of IPL, um you know they were still picking guys like Rahani and Pujara who didn't play IPL.
00:26:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Rahane played in IPL. Rahane played in IPL.
00:26:21
B-Critical
He came back and played. In his last few years in tests, he didn't.
00:26:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... But... But I guess those guys have been proven performers in tests. They weren't really... They weren't picked series to series, right? Like we're talking about two middle-order stalwarts who've already proven themselves in the Test team.
00:26:38
B-Critical
yeah
00:26:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if you're yeah I think we're talking now about emerging talent. And it's a little bit like what Josh Hazel was there, right? Like we're World Test Championship. those That time span playing top-level cricket is better prep than anything else. that i i mean if hey And de Villiers has come out and said that cricket is cricket for him.
00:26:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ultimately, so it depends who you to.
00:27:01
B-Critical
Yeah. I mean, as as much as I respect Hazelwood and Dave Bredaville is, and how can you not? It is, they did have this.
00:27:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm glad they have your respect. I'm glad they have your respect, Brandon.
00:27:12
B-Critical
They did, they did, it was in their vested interest to say that. I mean, he Hazelwood was copying it from it you know a few corners. um And, you know, we could be dismissive and say, you know, mit' Mitch Johnson's opinion doesn't count.
00:27:28
B-Critical
But um the reality is people did ah question ah whether IPL is the best prep. for the World Test Championship Final and whether, and in my opinion, given the fact that I get it, I get it even if it's not why they do it.
00:27:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I...
00:27:43
B-Critical
But I think in this IPL in particular, I think he had an opportunity to pull out when it was suspended midway through. you know what I mean?
00:27:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
of course enough
00:27:55
B-Critical
Don't get me wrong. It was, it is like,
00:27:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of course he did, but he thought, and then he actually went into detail about it earlier this week, where he was saying that in Australia it was raining horrendously in Sydney and Brisbane and they couldn't practice there. And he was saying that every test bowler in the IPL gets their bowling loads done. And they're working with the best coaches in the world, right?
00:28:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And they're working in professional setups. So i don't really, I have no issues with the prep. And, i'm you know, we we are digressing a bit. But I think that um <unk> there's good reason to back the tail because every tail ender has to back.
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not every batsman has to ball. And so ultimately we're looking at the value you provide for a team.
00:28:33
B-Critical
Yep. yep
00:28:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
No one's criticized. I mean, Ashton might be the only exception, but no one um is not selecting a bowler taking lots of wickets because of their batting. Kuldeep could be another one, but he hasn't really performed that well last in the overseas.
00:28:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think it's definitely something for India to look into. They have some decisions to make. You're talking about Nithi Shreddy.
Evaluating England's Strategy
00:28:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Again, I... um I think, again, he's more of a batting all-rounder.
00:29:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I feel like what this team needs is some penetration with the ball. And um Ash Deep, I'm not sure. He hasn't even untested in this format. But Kuldeep, I would actually um mean depend on the pitch.
00:29:11
B-Critical
ye
00:29:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think Kuldeep can turn it on glass. And if, you I mean, you just think about, like, if he had gotten the support that a ball like Shane Warne had gotten, in the sense that you're selected in every game, or even Nathan Lyon, you just imagine him doing so much better.
00:29:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, anyways.
00:29:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
um but
00:29:32
B-Critical
Well, can India, can can you take two spinners to Birmingham?
00:29:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry? I mean, Shane Warne got...
00:29:38
B-Critical
Can you play two spinners in Birmingham?
00:29:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, ah ah again, the pitch's profile has changed, hasn't it? um So we can't really say, but Shane Warne's got his best record in Birmingham, or in England anyway. i
00:29:51
B-Critical
as the only spinner.
00:29:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry. Yeah, I mean, i again, I haven't looked at the stats, but I mean, Morley's dominated the Oval. Morley's done really well in England. So, yeah, I...
00:30:02
B-Critical
No, no, no, but they were the not in Morulli's case, but in Warren's case, he was the only spinner in in the site.
00:30:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but I mean, Jadaija's your all-rounder, right? So Jadaija and Kulip, I mean, putting them into the same category is fine, but you couldn't get more different bowlers. They're both left-arm spinners.
00:30:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, yeah, like...
00:30:23
B-Critical
Yeah, but what I'm saying is you lose a quick. But then if your quicks aren't that good anyway, why not?
00:30:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:30:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you would but but um yeah, but that's the question have to probably make, right? I think you're choosing between Ash Deep and Kool Deep. The question is who are you think going to get more wickets. And I guess you're right. that We have to look at the surface and the overheads to see what's going to happen.
Captaincy Styles and Match Breakdown
00:30:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But on the other side of the coin, moving to England, like, wow.
00:30:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, I thought they had a pretty... um Like, last year was a year where, on paper, they probably got a few results that went their way. But I think there were more questions than answers.
00:31:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, they lost to Sri Lanka at the Oval. They lost to... One to Pakistan at their home. And obviously some pretty dodgy wickets. And then they, after dominating New Zealand, they lost out of nowhere in the last game.
00:31:12
B-Critical
Thank you.
00:31:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Which made me think that... I don't know... I mean, I don't know what to expect for this England team this summer. And, wow, they... What was impressive for me was that they didn't do anything extraordinary to just win that game so easily. they It was like they were batting. This could have been a day one pitch, the way they played and the pressure that they were under.
00:31:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so, yeah, I was just i was really impressed. I think um Ben Duckett, is increasingly reminding me of David Warner in terms of the impact he's having on his team. He's short, feisty. He doesn't say the brightest things all the time, a bit like Davey.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But unlike Davey, his century spread has been ah phenomenally equal both home and away. He's got six centuries. I mean, I don't know how many games he's played now. But, um yeah, I think six centuries home and away.
00:32:03
B-Critical
Yeah, three home, three away.
00:32:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
against the best ah we get India at home, Australia, ah do yeah in England, against that type. He played 34 games. you know ah um Yeah, six times averaging 44.
00:32:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think it's close I think he's close to being...
00:32:21
B-Critical
at a strike rate of almost 90, isn't he, as well?
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
86. 86, yeah. So, could we now say... is he or is in the conversation for being the best opener in the world? I mean, alongside Uzi, I guess.
00:32:33
B-Critical
um
00:32:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, I mean, we've seen all of these.
00:32:36
B-Critical
was he'd have to take that obviously was he's coming to fire of late because in the major series against India in the World Test Championship final he hasn't delivered but for the best part of four years he has been the best opener made the World Test Championship all stars twice so it's a bit hard to
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:32:56
B-Critical
and meet him Who else have we got? We've got Nisenka, who's not probably not done it for long enough.
00:33:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and Pat the ball.
00:33:04
B-Critical
um
00:33:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, for sure. He's playing well in the current game against Bangladesh as well in the first test. We got a great century. So, yeah.
00:33:13
B-Critical
And that game you mentioned in England, which um I didn't really see as that big a surprise given the game before that.
00:33:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
pat
00:33:20
B-Critical
I actually thought Sri Lanka should have won the second test as well. But, you know, you're you're right, England we went into those games as strong favourites.
00:33:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Historically speaking. Historically speaking. Yeah. um But yeah, like I think we talked about Ben Stokes' decision at the toss. I don't know if you touched on this, but what do you think of Shubman's captaincy in his first outing?
00:33:47
B-Critical
Mate, it's a bit hard when, you know, your fielders aren't holding on to them. He didn't have to make a decision at the toss, obviously. i i mean, um
00:34:02
B-Critical
yeah, I'm i'm not going to put the result of the game on his captaincy. The team could have rallied a bit better to take advantage of the good starts that they made.
00:34:16
B-Critical
But, yeah, what's your take?
00:34:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, a couple of things. um You know, I don't really think it's right, it's fair criticise someone on their first ah job out, first day out. um He's been anointed for a long, long time, right? Like the prince, ah the heir to the Kohli Tendulkar throne.
00:34:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I think, you know, a bit like Michael Clarke, I think that because they were anointed so far, there's a lot of pressure on Schubman. And he in a lot of ways, he's probably waiting for this day. I saw a lot of reactive captaincy.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
where he was chasing gaps and that little bit village cricket like where, you know, a bull up.
00:34:51
B-Critical
Yeah.
00:34:54
B-Critical
Well, chasing gaps and also there was a bit too much of a sort of captaincy council at some point. Like you see, yeah, you saw like, um, uh, Rahul, uh, Pant, Pant was often in there.
00:35:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Captain by committee. Yeah, absolutely. Rahul, directing tracking.
00:35:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah part Yeah, that's that's reasonable.
00:35:09
B-Critical
Um, and, um,
00:35:12
B-Critical
Obviously, Boomerang, which is fine. I mean, your senior players will all want to help and know it's your first game.
00:35:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Look,
00:35:20
B-Critical
But, yeah, there was some um reactive captaincy for sure, moving literally at some stages, moving fielders to positions where balls had just been hit.
00:35:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
hey well
00:35:29
B-Critical
Yeah.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll be honest. I mean, we are digressing a bit, but I actually, i know it's got a lot of criticism out there, captaincy by committee, but I have no, I don't see any reason why people shouldn't come in and contribute their ideas.
00:35:44
B-Critical
Thanks.
00:35:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. All the time. And for me, captaincy is a title. Right. But you have to make the best decision. And I think the captain should... For me, the captain should only have their say if what they say conflicts with everyone
India's Team Dynamics
00:35:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
else. And if they but have a lot of conviction, then sure, back it. But I think the there's too many playbooks written around what a captain should do by the likes of Ian Chappell and Shane Warne and guys saying that you know the captain should rule the roost and the coach should sit in the back. I just think...
00:36:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
The dynamic of how any group of people work depends on the environment and things like that. So I have no issues with that. um The captaincy was a bit reactive, but um again, it if someone does something so obviously wrong, there's no one stopping Gautam Gambir or Keil Rahul or Boomerang, captained three tests as well before, to come in and say, hey, listen, this is what I would do um because of X, Y, Z.
00:36:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
and i just think that dutch should those conversations happen in
00:36:39
B-Critical
Well, i'm not even i'm not I'm not critical of them chiming in. Definitely not. But I'm sort of like, it doesn't look, them needing to chime in doesn't look good.
00:36:50
B-Critical
You want your captain to appear to know what he's doing.
00:36:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Why? Why? It's like you're reading from Ian Chappell's playbook. Why? Why can't... Like, look at Malinga. He captained the 2014 T20 World Cup. And, you know, he was a puppet... I mean, you could argue the puppet captain with Sanger and Mahala directing traffic. Like, isn't... I think cricket's gotten too obsessed with batting positions and captain will go in another episode. But I really think that there's no issue with that. But, yeah, he was a bit reactive.
00:37:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
um In addition to that, I think the bowling, like, yeah, it was also let down by um his support balls and fielding as well. And, um but yeah, I guess the big takeaway for them out of this game is, like you said, they have a rock solid opening. Well, we forgot about the best openers in the world. We're throwing Jason on the whole, probably, yeah. So,
00:37:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
The England, has India have a top, ah I think a rock solid one, two, four and five. And um ironically, the two positions that were struggled in this game were Coley and Rohit.
00:37:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
um because it was that team that took the park in Melbourne last year, mean, you know, in Adelaide last year. So I, yeah, ah I mean, I know you mentioned head off off camera before this game that this team looked better without road in college. I know we all found pretty interesting, but you happy to elaborate on what you meant by that?
England's Bowling Lineup
00:38:13
B-Critical
um Yeah, absolutely, man, because um when you say on paper, I mean, I didn't really say on paper, I just said it looks better. Legacy-wise, there's no, obviously I'm not saying that Nair or Siddharth are not going to be as good as Kohli.
00:38:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
The question, just one question.
00:38:33
B-Critical
In fact, I'd almost take a bet now and say they'll never be as good as Kohli or anywhere near it. And I might even say that, I could arguably even say that for Rahul, he might not even be as good as Sharma, although i do think he'll be very good, right? But yeah, the last couple of years, man, they've, yeah, just kind of been walking wickets and um especially Sharma from the Australia, so I just think his confidence was shot.
00:38:57
B-Critical
It wasn't even appearing to want to bat at one stage, um you know, coming, sitting after, you know, putting himself down at number six one game,
00:39:08
B-Critical
which was really bizarre at this stage of his career. I know he said something, made it sound like, you know, I wanted to open, but, you know, wanted to put the new guy where he'd be most comfortable as well. But it just appeared that, um you know, he didn't want to face...
00:39:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know. Although the reasonable thing, I thought that the issue was that Rohit Sharma missed the first and digressing a bit, but Rohit Sharma obviously missed the first test in his place. Rahul did amazingly well after Rahul was told he'll be batting at number six.
00:39:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I thought the most obvious thing at that point was to bring Rohit Sharma back to open and Rahul at six, knowing that he's a bit of Mr. Fix-It goes up and down. Um, But and I think because Rahul's success, Rohit didn't want to come across as a selfish player, even though that's kind of what he wanted to do.
00:39:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And think that was a downfall, ironically, because I feel that if Rohit and Virat were on this tour, India would have been a lot, yeah, the opposition would be a lot more intimidating.
00:40:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But anyway, it's just a difference.
00:40:11
B-Critical
So who are you bringing Rohit in for? Obviously not Jaisal. So you're leaving Rahul out for Rohit Sharma.
00:40:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would move Rahul at six because I think batting positions mean less to him than it does to Rohit. The same way it matters less to Kamala.
00:40:23
B-Critical
So you'd keep, so you'd keep, so you'd go Rohit Sharma opening, Kohli in for Sudarshan and Rahul in for Nair, basically.
00:40:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
in Yeah, exactly. the Two plays in.
00:40:41
B-Critical
Okay.
00:40:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
but But um anyway, I guess looking forward to the next game, I mean, I don't think we talked on England's bowling, which, mean, what do you think about England's bowling?
Predictions and Potential Impact
00:40:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think, what I mean, Wokes was probably the standout bowler in terms of, standout in the sense his bowling it figures weren't great at all. He only took one um pretty timid court and bowl in the whole game.
00:41:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
But his batting was invaluable in the first innings. And, yeah, so what's your opinion Wokes? Is he someone that causes selection headaches for not necessarily best reasons? Or is is it a bit like a um problem with India with where they're sometimes selecting a bowler for their bodydding
00:41:24
B-Critical
um Well, who would come in instead of Wokes?
00:41:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
batting? So it's just been announced during the recording of this podcast that Jofra Archer has been recalled into the second test.
00:41:36
B-Critical
Oh, wow, that's crazy. He did bowl with some heat for Sussex, but, you know, it was very interesting. He didn't open. Ollie Robinson and um Sydney Thunderboy, Gurinder Sandhu, actually...
00:41:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:41:53
B-Critical
got the new ball, which was really interesting, to be honest with you. As much as I kind of respect the rhetoric, like, mate, you've just come back into the side, earn your stripes again. At the end of the day, we are talking about ah test cricketer versus, okay, Ollie Robinson, fair enough.
00:42:09
B-Critical
But, um mean I mean, I don't know if Gurinder Sandhu barely makes his state side.
00:42:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think they wanted to keep practice.
00:42:15
B-Critical
This is a second division county game. Do you know what i mean?
00:42:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think anyone thinks that Greenison is better than Joffre. And I don't think anyone thinks Stark's better
00:42:23
B-Critical
It's not that he's better. I'm saying from a respect point of view. um Oh, okay.
00:42:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
than Thomas.
00:42:27
B-Critical
You're saying that new ball doesn't necessarily go to your best. But what I'm saying is that in Tess, he...
00:42:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, no, no. But I think what you're talking about is your this game wasn't played in a vacuum. This game was probably... but ECB definitely spoke to Sussex and had i and communicated what role they wanted Joffre to play.
00:42:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
And think that might be why he came first. I don't know, but...
00:42:49
B-Critical
Maybe. Potentially. Potentially. So, yeah, that's interesting.
00:42:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah they'll go
00:42:52
B-Critical
So who does he come in for?
00:42:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know That's the question, right? I mean, his batting is pretty good, so it's not like though him... I think Wokes is the obvious answer, but I just hope, from a personal point of view, is not the end of Wokes' career.
00:43:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
um i Yeah, like he he seems to be he seems to be a knight he seems to be one game away all the time from it being his final test.
00:43:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think from, you know, Wokes is the kind of bowler that gets better and better the more of a run he gets, just the type of bowler he is. And it's his home ground next game. So I hope it's not Wokes. And the other thing I hope, i hope Joffre has not rushed too soon because now England are one up.
00:43:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It's a big step.
00:43:34
B-Critical
Well, I mean, they kind of have the opportunity to not rush Joffre because, like you said, Wakes didn't ball badly. He's been the sort of guy in the waiting um all this time when um Anderson and Broad weren't giving up their spots.
00:43:50
B-Critical
um Kass, obviously, you can't drop a guy who's taken 30 wickets at 22 apiece, 31, I think it is, in six tests.
00:43:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
We haven't mentioned stuff. Yeah.
00:43:59
B-Critical
Um, and, um, as, as for Tong, Similaj's only played four tests, maybe you could make way, but, um, you know, he hasn't started, he hasn't done anything wrong either. So, yeah, I don't think you'd necessarily need to bring Joffre in yet.
00:44:16
B-Critical
Um, also how likely are England to change a winning side as well?
00:44:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe, like, they go back.
00:44:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, they got back-to-back tests, right? So I think it's fair to say Joffre is going to play one of those two tests. And, you know, I just hope that whatever India and England do, that Boomerah comes up against Joffre.
00:44:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
think that'll be a pretty good
England's Strategy and Leadership Analysis
00:44:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
contest. And something that the fans would love to see. um Because, yeah, like, I mean, both are injury prone. And I think we sometimes forget how good Joffre was back in 2019. And there's a reason why he was rushed into the team ahead of the queue.
00:44:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, look, big producer prediction for the next game. You know, I'm not one, I'm not a huge fan of predictions, as you know, because my opinion takes the thieves away from the um ability to enjoy and expect unexpected. But having said that,
00:45:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I just have a feeling India will come back.
00:45:12
B-Critical
Yeah, I think both teams play their best. They're still the better side. recent The last six months hasn't really highlighted that. But um yeah, I do think they should have won this. I think it was theirs to win and they gave it away. um I think they have a stronger um batting lineup. They have a standout bowler in Boomerah.
00:45:36
B-Critical
um Yeah, I think they should come back. But having said that, England of late since 2019 have really won the 50-50 games.
00:45:47
B-Critical
Do know what i mean? If there's a game on edge, they've come out ahead. And I'm talking, um you know, obviously Stokes' heroics in Leeds and as well as the first test in Pakistan in the series, they won 3-0.
00:45:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, lead. well
00:46:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, 2025 is a year of firsts. We're looking at the RCB. um We're looking at, you know, South Africa winning a world title. So you never never know. But um what's your prediction for the Indian lineup? I know you're talking about Nishti Shridi. Do you think he makes it?
00:46:03
B-Critical
Like, you know,
00:46:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think Kulip comes in last day?
00:46:22
B-Critical
um I
00:46:29
B-Critical
don't think they take two spinners.
00:46:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
but could we I think we agree the first six are unchanged, right? Up up to Jadayjo. I think that should be unchanged for the next game.
00:46:39
B-Critical
yeah and i think that i think it i't Yeah, I don't think anyone's going anywhere after just one test. And obviously they they largely performed well for the most part.
00:46:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:46:49
B-Critical
I don't think Jadayj is going anywhere either.
00:46:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that's the top six.
00:46:52
B-Critical
I think his case is safe.
00:46:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that's top seven, sorry. Yep, top seven.
00:46:56
B-Critical
That's the top seven.
00:46:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I reckon Siraj should definitely be in the team.
00:46:58
B-Critical
um
00:47:01
B-Critical
Yeah. um
00:47:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, the last three. I think it's the other three bowlers. And that's what...
00:47:07
B-Critical
So ken if Boomer plays, so Boomer plays, let's just say, because there's a because they're down in the series and because there's ah gap,
00:47:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, that's the interesting thing, right? The interesting thing is, if India loses this next game, you might as well put Boomerang on ice. i know I mean mean, not really, but you know what i mean. like I think Boomerun needs to play the next game because of the serious situation. or I don't think that's ideal. i think they would have wanted him at Lord's with the slope.
00:47:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
But this is...
00:47:37
B-Critical
Yeah, I think i see you want Boomer to play at Lords. oh But yeah, I don't know because the gap is the gap gives him the opportunity to play at Birmingham.
00:47:48
B-Critical
um
00:47:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's interesting.
00:47:50
B-Critical
Let's assume he plays. So let's assume he plays. So that's nine out of the 11 decided. um Would you bring in Arsha deep for
00:47:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you've got Prasad Krishna and we have Shadul.
00:48:01
B-Critical
but Krishna?
00:48:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you have Krishna and Shadul?
00:48:03
B-Critical
Can you bring in Arsha deep for Can you bring in Ashdeep for Krishna?
00:48:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You can, but I think Krishna bowled well on last day. He looked the most threatening bowler. I mean, that ballley ball he bowled to Oli Pope was unplayable. So I feel it's very easy.
00:48:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did bowl some rubbish on the first day, but I Leeds is a pretty easy ground to get.
00:48:23
B-Critical
Yeah.
00:48:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's banked around.
00:48:24
B-Critical
Yeah, maybe the bowlers just have to, like, kind of pull themselves together. um We've got to say the batsmen, guys like Sadarshan can chip in as well. um So, you know, which will just really boost up those big scores that India are already making.
00:48:40
B-Critical
And, um yeah, I think, look, it might have been a bit of a different story if in the last session of day four, they had got a wicket, if they had got Crawley or Duckett.
00:48:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:48:52
B-Critical
um So it's a game of, it wasn't a thrashing in the end of the day. So, yeah, I don't think too much has to change. It's not, they're not desperate yet.
00:49:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah For sure. No, I think so. and Look, one thing we'll say that that first test was an absolute cracker. um I think Ben Stokes was very much vindicated in his decision, just like he was in 2022 against both England and India.
00:49:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sorry, against New Zealand and India at Trampbridge and at Birmingham. So, um yeah, I think, you know, he's a man who definitely can...
00:49:22
B-Critical
Yep.
00:49:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
um yeah have a smug smile his face this week after proving all the doubt
Episode Conclusion
00:49:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
is wrong. And um yeah, I think the one question I have with the England team is Shobin Bashir. He did a serviceable job this game, but just moving forward, I i really don't see... i don't see him making a huge impact against the Ashes, but I could be wrong.
00:49:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been wrong before.
00:49:50
B-Critical
But who do you put instead? You're not going to bring Leach back, you know?
00:49:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can have you could yeah you could have a four-pronged pace attack. And you got Root and you got... Has anyone else said a ball spin?
00:50:04
B-Critical
Um, no, you don't even have...
00:50:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think you're right.
00:50:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think... No, I mean, I think you're right. like They knew do need some spinner to roll over. and Yeah, maybe he...
00:50:07
B-Critical
No, Brooke.
00:50:13
B-Critical
I think the idea... I think they are hoping... I think they have some theory about a tall spinner in Australia.
00:50:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Interesting.
00:50:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean...
00:50:22
B-Critical
not that any not that Not that anyone's ever done that successfully.
00:50:26
B-Critical
um But, yeah.
00:50:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well, um look, I look forward to the next test next week on the 3rd of July. We'll come back with a preview episode before. But, um yeah, once again, im thanks for your time, Brian, and we'll see you again next week.
00:50:44
B-Critical
Catch you then.