‘He does struggle sometimes with…’ – Alastair Cook feels one of England’s best batters is struggling with ‘Bazball’ approach

England lost the 2nd Test match against India by 106 runs in Visakhapatnam. Part of their loss is the Bazball approach which they have been trying since including Brendon McCullum as their head coach. Even though the batters are giving a great start, the team has failed to convert the start in both matches. Hence, England’s former captain, Alastair Cook has questioned Joe Root’s batting and his approach towards the game. As per Cook, Root is struggling with the Bazball approach as he was one of the best batters in England.

While talking on BBC TMS, Cook said, “Joe Root is England’s best batsman in all formats but he does struggle sometimes with the tempo of this Bazball era. He sees people on this side playing aggressive shots, and that is their style, he’s got 11,000 Test runs and he’s brilliant, but he is so desperate to fit in with what Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum are doing and sometimes he doesn’t get the balance right.”

Only three of the batters were able to convert a good start, however, couldn’t help the team win the match. At one point the game seemed to be in England’s control but Jasprit Bumrah took the match away. In total, he has taken nine wickets in the match including Joe Root and Ollie Pope. Overall, it was a great Test match as the excitement remained constant throughout the four days.

England Captain Ben Stokes blames technology for Zak Crawley’s dismissal

Ben Stokes, England’s captain, blames the technology for Zak Crawley‘s wicket in the press conference that happened after the match. As the on-field umpire’s decision was not out, India decided to take a DRS. On taking the DRS, the third-umpire declared Crawley out, since the ball was hitting the stumps. But the incident didn’t settle well in the English camp and Stokes showed his dissatisfaction after the match.

In the press conference, Stokes said, “Technology in the game is obviously there. Everyone has an understanding of the reasons it can never be 100 per cent, which is why we have the umpire’s call. That’s why it’s in place. When it’s not 100 per cent as everyone says, I don’t think it’s unfair for someone to say I think the technology has got it wrong on this occasion”.