England bowling coach Jon Lewis on Monday defended his batsmen’s approach in the post-tea session on the fourth day of the opening Test against India, saying accelerating wasn’t easy on a “tricky” Chepauk pitch.
England set India a world record chase of 420 after being bowled out for 178 in their second innings. The hosts were 39 for one at stumps.
“The guys were positive in the way they played. I don’t think it is a straightforward pitch where you can be reckless to score. But, we were very comfortable with the amount of overs we wanted to bowl on Monday,” he said when asked about the decision to not declare early.
“We will try to have a bite with the second new ball if possible on Tuesday. We are comfortable with where we are at in the game,” Lewis told reporters during a virtual media interaction after the day’s play.
Replying to another question on whether he thought 419 was enough and if England would have liked more time to bowl at the Indians, he…