'No sweeping on this surface' - Nick Knight criticizes Jonny Bairstow's poor shot selection in Ranchi Test

Jonny Bairstow's dismissal during the Ranchi Test between India and England has reignited discussions around England's batting approach and Bairstow's form in the ongoing five-match Test series. Former England opener Nick Knight expressed frustration over Bairstow's shot selection, particularly his decision to sweep against Ravichandran Ashwin, leading to his dismissal.

Knight's criticism is tied with England's broader struggles with their batting approach throughout the series. Despite winning the toss, England found themselves in a precarious position at 112 for 5 at lunch on Day 1, courtesy of some incisive and shrewd bowling from debutant Akash Deep.

"I just felt the ball before it, he cut Ashwin away... picking length well. It's not so much that you shouldn't be aggressive, it is just the way that you're aggressive. And I just felt that (sweep shot) wasn't the right option at the right time," Nick Knight told JioCinema.

'That was a really poor option' - Nick Knight on Johny Bairstow's dismissal

The critique extended beyond Bairstow's performance to England's overall strategy. Knight highlighted the need for adaptability and game awareness, questioning the team's overreliance on aggressive strokes. He emphasized the importance of playing according to the situation and employing different tactics, such as using one's feet instead of persisting with pre-meditated aggressive shots.

"How many times did we talk at the top of our show about no sweeping on this surface? I thought that was a really poor option. You know, we talk a lot about Bazball, but we talk a lot about being aggressive. What about adapting to the situation? What about playing game situations? What about using your feet?", he added.

Bairstow's form has been under the scanner throughout the series, having failed to register a fifty in the first four Test matches. His dismissal in Ranchi further raised concerns about his ability to convert starts into substantial contributions. Despite playing aggressively and scoring 38 runs from 35 deliveries, Bairstow's innings was cut short due to a questionable shot choice.

Also read: Indian team's recent debutant Akash Deep's Domestic, IPL stats

England managed to post 112 runs on the board despite losing five wickets in the first session. Following lunch, England batter Joe Root and wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes steadied the ship with a more orthodox approach, opting for solidity over aggression.

The visitors are currently batting on 279/7, with Root amassing his century. With such a poor start, England have still managed to put up a good score on the board. The hosts will be looking to clean up the tail before the end of the day's play.

Also read: Ben Stokes defends 'quality' Jonny Bairstow’s Ranchi Test selection