"Mark Wood scored 33 runs at the end or else England wouldn't have even scored 100": Aakash Chopra

India registered their highest winning margin by runs in Test cricket against England in Rajkot, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series. The last Test was fully dominated by the hosts, as they decimated England's batting lineup to secure victory by a staggering 434 runs.

Former Indian cricketer-turned commentator, Aakash Chopra, criticized England's batting performance, pinpointing their dismal show against India's formidable bowling attack. Chopra highlighted pacer Mark Wood's late onslaught to hold on to a faltering innings.

Aakash Chopra criticizes England's poor show in Rajkot

Chopra highlighted Wood's brief but impactful contribution amidst England's batting collapse. The aggressive display from Wood, accumulating 33 runs off just 15 deliveries, offered a glimpse of resistance in an otherwise feeble innings.

“Mark Wood scored 33 runs at the end or else this team wouldn't have even scored 100. You couldn't bat 50 overs. You didn't play one-and-a-half sessions. We are on daily wages, take a little care of us. We only get paid for the number of days we work. This wasn't a 40-overs pitch. This was a much better surface and England actually let themselves down very badly,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

The dismissals of key batsmen such as Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Jonny Bairstow showed the magnitude of England's batting woes. India's emphatic victory not only showcased their dominance but also England's sub-par performance, raising questions about their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Ravindra Jadeja, playing at his home ground, was awarded the Man of the Match award for his brilliant hundred in the first innings and fifer in the fourth innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his second double-hundred of the series, and is currently the highest run-getter of the series with 545 runs.

Following their commanding display in Rajkot, India will now fly to Ranchi and will be eager to maintain their momentum and clinch the series. 

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