India’s decision to hand the new ball to debutant Anshul Kamboj instead of experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj during the ongoing Manchester Test against England has sparked debate among critics. Former England captain Nasser Hussain also appeared surprised and confused by the move.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the end of the second session on Day 2, Hussain expressed concern over India’s bowling tactics.
“Slightly changing conditions, but they bowled very poorly. A change in overhead conditions doesn’t make you bowl both sides of the wicket. Too many balls on the pads. Captain’s decisions… didn’t quite agree with, to be honest. Kamboj wasn’t in the squad a week ago, to bring him into the team and give him a new ball ahead of Siraj… seems odd.”
He added that he would have used Siraj differently in the early part of England’s innings.
“I would’ve gone for Siraj for a short burst, then switched him to the other end to follow Bumrah. We’ve all been talking about the green channel on the strip across… this is the end where Stokes bowled and got his fifer, and got uneven bounce and sideways movement. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong,” he concluded.
The 23-year-old Kamboj bowled ten overs on day two and picked up his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Ben Duckett, who was looking dangerous on 94. However, the youngster seemed a bit nervy and gave away 48 runs.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj — a regular feature in India’s pace attack — went wicketless in his 10 overs. Jasprit Bumrah also remained without a wicket despite bowling 13 overs.
In reply to India’s first-innings total of 358, England made a strong start. Zak Crawley scored 84, and Duckett contributed 94, powering England to 225/2 in 46 overs at stumps on Day 2. The hosts now trail by 133 runs.
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