Former England captain Alastair Cook has suggested a change in India‘s batting order for the fifth Test against England, particularly regarding all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. After Jadeja scored a century batting at number five in the third Test, he retained the same position in the next match but failed to make a significant impact, scoring only 12 and 4 runs in the fourth Test in Ranchi.
Cook believes that Jadeja should be demoted in the batting order, as he struggled to find the right balance between attack and defence under pressure. According to Cook, Jadeja’s ability to handle pressure was compromised while batting at number five. He stated, “Jadeja in particular showed probably why he should be batting a little bit lower. Yes, he can score runs but the ability, under pressure, to find that balance between attack and defence under pressure – pressure does funny things to you.”
On the other hand, India’s debutant wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel impressed with his batting in the fourth Test, scoring 90 in the first innings and an unbeaten 39 in the second. Cook suggested that Jurel should be promoted in the batting order, considering his solid performance and ability to handle pressure.
“Jurel found that balance perfectly with his foot movement and sharpness of mind,” Cook explained.
Alastair Cook praised Virat Kohli’s leadership, stating that as captain, Kohli has brought real competitiveness, hardness, and toughness to the Indian team. This implies that under Kohli’s captaincy, the Indian team has developed a strong and competitive edge, showing resilience and toughness in their approach to the game.
Alastair Cook said, “Virat Kohli as Captain has added real competitiveness, hardness and toughness to Team India”.
India currently leads the five-match Test series against England 3-1, with the fifth and final Test scheduled to start on 7 March in Dharamsala. England started the series with a win but India bounced back strongly, winning the next three matches to secure an unassailable lead.
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