ENG vs IND, 4th test, Day 2: Ravi Shastri criticizes Indian pacers for their "rubbish" bowling

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed strong dissatisfaction with India's pace bowlers during the afternoon session on Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test against England in Manchester. The former India all-rounder was on commentary during the second session and was particularly critical of Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, and Mohammed Siraj, alerting that they could face some “harsh words” from head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel in the dressing room at the tea break.

England dominated the second session after Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul helped dismiss India for 358. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett took full advantage, remaining unbeaten and adding 77 runs in just 14 overs at a scoring rate exceeding five runs per over. 

Despite pre-match expectations of assistance for bowlers from the pitch, India struggled to maintain consistent lengths, often bowling too full or too short and missing the desired areas.

Ravi Shastri did not hold back in his commentary, slamming the Indian pacers for their “rubbish” bowling. While commenting on a boundary scored off Mohammed Siraj, he said, “Just not consistent enough. They will look back at this session and see, especially some of the boundary deliveries, that it's pretty ordinary stuff, at times rubbish.”

When asked if he would have used similar language had he been the head coach, Shastri replied, “Absolutely, maybe in better terms. Maybe get the local lingo in there, which can sound harsher. Some harsh words will be exchanged by the coach and the bowling coach. That's how he puts it across. It's different. If he can't, then you step in and say exactly the same.”

The English openers continued their attack in the final session, both reaching half-centuries and building a 100-run partnership, further pressuring the Indian bowling attack.

Earlier in the day, India's vice-captain Rishabh Pant showcased exceptional toughness by returning to bat despite a severe foot injury. Pant had retired hurt on Day 1 after fracturing his right foot, with reports indicating that he was advised to rest for the next six weeks. His gutsy performance was a highlight of the day for India.

Ben Stokes was instrumental in England's bowling attack, disassembling the Indian lower order to claim his first five-wicket haul in a Test since his career-best 6-22 against the West Indies at Lord’s in 2017.

As the match advances, the pressure mounts on India's pace unit to improve and on the coaching staff to handle and uplift their bowlers effectively in this do-or-die game.