NEW DELHI:
BCCI
president and former India seamer
Roger Binny
emphatically believes that in the ongoing series between India and England, the assertive captaincy of England's
Ben Stokes
has been overshadowed by the patience and tactical acumen of his Indian counterpart
Rohit Sharma
.
With an unassailable 3-1 lead, India have already secured the five-Test series and appears poised for a 4-1 final result, having bowled out the visitors for 218 on the opening day of the fifth Test in Dharamsala on Thursday. India concluded the day at a comfortable 135 for 1.
"Well, the captaincy of Ben Stokes so far he has been more aggressive, and I think that has been the (reason for their) downfall in the few Test matches," Binny, who is in Dharamsala to watch the proceedings, told PTI Video in an exclusive chat.
The 68-year-old Binny, who featured in 27 Tests and 72 ODIs between 1979 and 1987, expressed skepticism about the wisdom of the English batsmen adopting an all-or-nothing approach against the formidable Indian spin attack on multiple occasions.
"Being so aggressive and trying to take on the Indian spinners in difficult times (situations) rather than hanging around and trying to make a big score," said Binny.
The president of BCCI is highly impressed with how Rohit has displayed patience, waiting for the opportune moments to seize the advantage against the opposition.
"Rohit Sharma again has been very tactful. You know he knew exactly what he wanted to do and he got his bowlers to do that."
England started the series with a victory in Hyderabad but things have gone downhill for them since then. So what changed?
"I don't think England changed their strategy. They went on the same attacking mode like what they did in the first Test match. But, I think, Rohit was more patient because he had the first Test in his pocket at one stage and then he let it go. He was patient enough in the next two Tests and won both."
England on the opening day of the final Test were 100 for 1 at one stage before being all out for 218 and Binny believes that only they are to be blamed for this downfall.
"I think England have themselves to blame for the situation they are in at the moment. I think they started well in the morning, they looked as if they would put up a fighting score.
"So far, it has been India's day. They have been batting well also so far and I think the Test series has been very one-sided after the first Test that England won. From then onwards, the Indian team has done well and it has dominated the series."
(With inputs from PTI)
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