Simon Doull Criticizes India’s Nightwatchman Choice in Mumbai Test
During the third and final Test match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull criticized Team India’s decision to send Mohammed Siraj as a nightwatchman after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal. Doull questioned why Ravichandran Ashwin, a more capable batsman, wasn’t chosen instead. He argued that sending a lower-order player like Siraj in challenging conditions was a mistake.
Doull noted that the New Zealand spinners hadn’t been consistent, and sending a player who usually bats at number 10 or 11 was risky. He emphasized the importance of having a player who can handle spin in such situations. Doull also mentioned that many top batters, including Virat Kohli, prefer a nightwatchman to protect them for the next day.
On Day 1, India faced a setback as they lost three wickets in the final two overs. Ajaz Patel’s double-wicket maiden dismissed Jaiswal and Siraj, while Virat Kohli was run out by Matt Henry’s quick throw. India ended the day at 86/4, trailing by 149 runs, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant at the crease.
Doubts Revealed
Simon Doull -: Simon Doull is a former cricketer from New Zealand. He played for the New Zealand national team and is now a cricket commentator.
Nightwatchman -: A nightwatchman is a lower-order batsman sent in to bat towards the end of the day in a cricket match. The idea is to protect the better batsmen from getting out in difficult conditions.
Mumbai Test -: The Mumbai Test refers to a cricket match played in Mumbai, India. In this context, it is a test match between India and New Zealand.
Mohammed Siraj -: Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer who plays as a fast bowler. In this match, he was sent as a nightwatchman, which is not his usual role.
Ravichandran Ashwin -: Ravichandran Ashwin is an Indian cricketer known for his excellent bowling and decent batting skills. Simon Doull suggested he should have been the nightwatchman instead of Siraj.
Shubman Gill -: Shubman Gill is a young Indian cricketer who is known for his batting skills. He was playing in the match against New Zealand.
Rishabh Pant -: Rishabh Pant is an Indian cricketer known for his aggressive batting style. He was also playing in the match against New Zealand.