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'An Opportunity Lost'- Cook Slams ENG's 'Bazball' Intent After Serious Collapse Vs IND

image-lspylmjoRoot got out in a ridiculous fashion [X.com]

Former England captain Alastair Cook didn't mince words as he criticised England's approach to batting, labelling it as a serious collapse and an opportunity lost after their dismal performance against India in the ongoing Rajkot Test match.

Despite Ben Duckett's 153 runs knock-off 151 deliveries, England ended up with a 129-run trail. After ending day two at 209/2, the Englishmen could only put up 111 runs on Day 3 as the team lost the final five wickets in quick succession, leading to an unnecessary and humiliating collapse. 

At the end of Day 2, England looked very much in control, and the Ashwin-less side ended up being dominant on Day 3. 

England's bizarre collapse drew a strong reaction from home fans back in the UK. Former English captain Alastair Cook slammed the visitors and termed the collapse a major opportunity lost. 

"Is it an opportunity lost? England have been poor with the bat – they’ve lost eight wickets for 116 today and you don’t win many matches when you collapse like that in the first innings,” said Cook.

Cook said England cannot win matches if they suffer collapses like the one against India in Rajkot.

“To win Test matches you have to be good for such long periods of time. India were poor yesterday but they’ve been very, very good today,” Cook added.

Cook opined that to excel in Test matches, one needs to be good and consistent over a long period of time. While India was poor on Day 2, they came out all guns blazing on Day 3 to nearly oust England from the game.

England should have displayed the same intent as they had the advantage. That being said, Alastair Cook's assessment was spot on, as England truly lost an opportunity. They could have put up 500 runs had the lower order played a little mindfully.

Regardless, England remain in a kind of damage control situation as India have piled up over 300 runs lead in the second innings. A mammoth and daunting chase awaits England.