This video can not be played Hartley and Rainford-Brent on how England can turn things around against India England's lack of penetration with the ball coupled with fitness concerns are an "ominous" sign, says former captain Michael Vaughan. Ben Stokes' side toiled throughout the second day at Edgbaston as India piled up 587 before reducing the hosts to 77-3. Brydon Carse struggled with a recurrence of his foot issues while Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes did not bowl after their first spells. "Clearly there's a problem with Brydon Carse and we're two Test matches into a five-match series in England and then it's not too long after we've got five matches in Australia in the heat on those slabs, some of those drop-in pitches with a Kookaburra ball," Vaughan said. "Their [England's] tactic after 30 overs pretty much is just to whack the ball into the pitch with a square-of-the-wicket field. "They're going to need some wheelbarrows to get some of these bowlers off the park in Australia. It's so tough on the body." Carse was ruled out for three months earlier this year because of serious cuts and blisters on his toes â an issue that first emerged on tours of Pakistan and New Zealand before Christmas. Although he remained on the field in Birmingham, he was seen hobbling at various times when fielding and in his bowling follow-through. Stokes, meanwhile, has returned to bowling this year following hamstring surgery. He was seen stretching his groin on day one and, after a lengthy warm-up before play, opened the bowling on day two. He delivered four overs for 16 runs but did not return to the attack in the remaining 58 overs of India's innings. Similarly, Woakes did not feature after his four overs for 22 runs at the start of the day. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir bowled 45 overs for 3-167, Josh Tongue struggled as he took 2-119 from 28 overs and even Harry Brook bowled five overs of his part-time seam in their absence. "India have batted great and with great control but the way England bowled today was a slight concern," Vaughan said. "There were a few things I saw in the field which made me think it was ominous going forward." This video can not be played Shubman Gill hits highest Test score as India take control of second Test The fitness issue is heightened by the fact there are only three days off before this Test and the third at Lord's next week. By then England could be boosted by the return of Gus Atkinson, their leading wicket-taker in 2024 who bowled a long and pacey spell in the nets before this match as he recovers from a hamstring injury, while Jofra Archer looks on course to make a long-awaited return to Test cricket too. Jamie Overton has recovered from a broken finger and Essex seamer Sam Cook is available should England require or wish for further changes. It had been thought pace bowler Olly Stone would miss the summer with a knee injury but he has been named in Nottinghamshireâs squad for their T20 at Durham on Friday. India captain Shubman Gill capitalised on England's struggles and made 267 - the highest score by an India batter in the UK. That came despite Stokes winning the toss on day one and then continuing his preference to bowl first. India's score was the highest England have conceded since Stokes became captain. Bowling coach Jeetan Patel insisted England can still win the match, again following the Stokes mantra of dismissing the prospect of playing for a draw, and said they would not reflect on the toss decision. "I don't think you reflect on what's happened," the New Zealander said. "Hindsight's hindsight. We decided to bowl and we'll stick by that. "On the first day it showed enough for us and we created a lot of opportunities and it didn't go our way. The day might've looked different yesterday and this morning if we got those decisions. "People are going to look at any scorecard and make a decision on what they're going to think. I'm not really fussed and I don't think any of us are fussed about what's said outside of the group."
Ominous signs for England after toil - Vaughan
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Concerns Rise for England as Fitness Issues Impact Performance Against India"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed serious concerns over the team's performance and fitness issues during the second Test match against India at Edgbaston. England struggled to make an impression with the ball, allowing India to amass a staggering 587 runs before reducing the hosts to 77 for 3 at the end of the second day. Vaughan highlighted the fitness problems of key players, particularly Brydon Carse, who has been dealing with recurring foot issues. Stokes and Woakes also faced fitness challenges, with Stokes showing signs of discomfort after a hamstring operation and Woakes sidelined after just four overs. Vaughan noted that the current tactics of the England bowlers, which involved a strategy of bowling into the pitch with a square-of-the-wicket field, may not be sustainable, especially with a demanding series against Australia ahead. He pointed out that the physical toll on the players could be significant, raising questions about their readiness for upcoming matches.
As the match progressed, India capitalized on England's struggles, with Shubman Gill scoring an impressive 267 runs, marking the highest score by an Indian batsman in the UK. Vaughan's concerns were echoed by bowling coach Jeetan Patel, who emphasized the need for the team to focus on winning rather than contemplating draws. Despite the challenging situation, Patel remained optimistic, indicating that the team would not dwell on past decisions, including the choice to bowl first after winning the toss. With upcoming matches on the horizon, including a third Test at Lord's, England may see the return of key players like Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer, which could bolster their bowling lineup. However, with only three days of rest before the next match, the team must quickly address their fitness issues and strategize effectively to compete against a strong Indian side.
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