IND vs ENG: Jeetan Patel backs England’s Day 2 showing in Dharamshala despite India’s dominance

England had a rough time throughout the Day 2 of the ongoing fifth Test against India in Dharamshala. After being bundled out for 218 runs in the first innings, the Ben Stokes-led side was expected to come back stronger with the ball as the surface was assisting spinners. Kuldeep Yadav picked up a five-for in the first innings while veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four but on the other hand, England spinners couldn’t make the most of the surface.

Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley bowled 44 and 39 overs respectively, on Day 2 of the Dharamshala Test and picked up six wickets in total. Bashir was close to completing his five-for but skipper Stokes dropped a catch towards the fag end of the day, as India look to be in total control of the Test match. The hosts were leading by 255 runs after Day 2, which seemed to be a mountain to climb for England.

Meanwhile, speaking about their bowling performance in Dharamshala, assistant coach Jeetan Patel stated that it was a tough day on the field but was happy with the shift that the bowlers put in. 

“We're going to have tough days in Test cricket. And today was one of them. If you put enough hard yards in, eventually the circle turns and it comes back on you. There are a lot of tired guys in there and rightly so. They put in a big shift,” Patel was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Also Read - Ben Stokes has been the more aggressive captain and it has led to England's downfall: Roger Binny

'They are young guys trying to forge their career in international cricket' - Patel on England's spin duo

Furthermore, Jeetan Patal also added that the spinners are young and need time to adjust to international standards and expects them to have fun in the middle rather than worrying much about other things. Besides, England's assistant coach also added that Bashir was sick and was in doubt for the fifth Test but yet stepped up to the occasion, which shows his courage and desire to play red-ball cricket.

“They are young guys trying to forge their career in international cricket. It's the one thing that we keep trying to believe, that this is the most exciting time of your career, and you should want to celebrate every wicket. And you should want to have as much fun as you can with your teammates,” Patel concluded.