WTC Final: VVS Laxman said india bowlers have to bowl fuller to induce mistakes from New Zealand batsmen on Day 4 if they are to make a way back into the contest. New Zealand finished Day 3 at 101 for 2, trailing India’s first innings total by just 116 runs
HIGHLIGHTS
- New Zealand went to Stumps on Day 3 at 101 for 2, trailing India’s total by 116 runs
- Laxman said India bowlers did not make good use of overcast conditions
- Bumrah leaked at over 3 runs per over in his 11 overs on Sunday in Southampton
Former India batsman VVS Laxman said he was a bit surprised that Jasprit Bumrah was not able to bowl a full-length and get the New Zealand batsmen to drive on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final on Sunday.
VVS Laxman said New Zealand batsman don’t have a long stride forward and bowling full might bring opportunities when they go for drives but that India bowlers failed to make use of the overcast conditions at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
India were guilty of bowling ‘pretty lengths’ and beating the New Zealand batsmen on multiple occasions but not being clinical enough, especially when conditions were aiding swing bowling.
Jasprit Bumrah had an ordinary outing as he was struggling for consistency in line and lengths on Day 3. He gave away 34 runs in 11 overs, bowling only 3 maidens of which two were bowled in his 3rd spell.
It was evident that India were not able to get as much as the New Zealand pacers who helped bowl India out for 217.
New Zealand reached Stumps on Day 3 at 101 for 2, trailing India’s total by just 116 runs. Opener Tom Lathan and Devon Conway added 70 runs for the opening wicket. India managed to get the wicket of Conway on 54 towards the end of play but the World No. 1 Test side finished on top.
“I was surprised that Bumrah was not able to change the length which is required to be effective in English conditions,” Laxman said.
“You want the batsmen to drive the ball through the covers in these conditions. You want to create that chance by getting that outside edge,” Laxman told Star Sports.
“Also, if you are making them hit the ball away from their body which majority of the New Zealand batsmen can do because they don’t take a long strike when playing front foot drives. That when you create that pad and pad gap,” he added.
Bowl full and wide from the crease: Bangar’s advice to India pacers
Meanwhile, former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar said India bowlers need to bowl fuller if they are to trouble New Zealand batsmen and claw back into the contest. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor were unbeaten when bad light forced early stumps on Sunday.
“Yeah, I agree with Laxman. Ishant was able to derive the maximum swing and seam. For the majority of his cricketing career, Ishant has always been an inswing bowler. When an inswing bowler tends to go closer to the stumps, then he loses that swing quite a bit.
“So one of the things that Ishant can also try is get slightly wider of the crease so that his inswing becomes more prominent. Then the one which holds the line could become a dreadful ball and for somebody like Kane Williamson, that could very well be an ideal bowler.
“If I have to give one piece of advice to Indian bowlers, especially Ishant and Bumrah, is that they have to bowl slightly wider of the crease,” Bangar said.
The start of play on Day 4 was delayed on Monday due to steady drizzle in Southampton.
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