India’s Delayed Declaration Sparks Debate, Former Cricketers Deliver Strong Verdict News24 –

India’s declaration in their second innings in the second Test against England has come under question by some of the former players and cricket experts. With a huge lead already achieved, Shubman Gill’s side batted for almost an hour into the last session of Day 4 before opting to declare, giving England an intimidating target of 608 runs. This left India with only a little over three sessions, one of which was on Day 4 and two on the last day, to get out the opposition.

With rain expected on Day 5 a prophecy that actually came to pass there were many who wondered if India had let a strategic chance slip by not announcing early. A number of specialists opined the announcement arrived too late. In an interview, veteran England batter Ian Ward hinted that India was attempting to capitalize on England’s aggressive approach, particularly in light of Ben Stokes having made it unequivocal that his side would attempt to win irrespective of the total.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ian Ward said, “It is a legacy, a tribute, to the fear Stokes and England put into teams when setting fourth-innings targets. India want to make sure England are completely and utterly out of it and then you ask a team reticent to draw games whether they can do it. India could have given themselves more time to win the game by scoring faster,” said Butcher.

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher, was baffled by the timing, describing it as “a bit baffling.” He conjectured that India might have been playing it safe because they actually have a lot of respect for the danger Stokes and his side pose, so they made sure to make the target well and truly beyond their reach before they gave the ball over.

“It is a legacy, a tribute, to the fear Stokes and England put into teams when setting fourth-innings targets. India want to make sure England are completely and utterly out of it and then you ask a team reticent to draw games whether they can do it. India could have given themselves more time to win the game by scoring faster,” said Butcher.

“Whether that turns out to be the right thing to do, we will find out tomorrow, but for now it is a little bit baffling,” he added.

Finally, the late announcement has raised questions on whether India let their advantage pass them by in the quest for mental superiority.