IND vs ENG 2024: “He did look a bit tentative” – Michael Atherton on under-fire KS Bharat

Former England captain Michael Atherton said that Indian wicket-keeper bat KS Bharat has failed to deliver the goods with the bat in the first two Test matches against the visitors. While the Indian wicket-keeper has impressed with his glovework behind the stumps, he hasn’t been able to deliver the goods with the bat.

Bharat has scored 92 runs in the first two Test matches against England at an average of 23. The right-hander has scored 221 runs in seven Test matches at an average of 20.09 in his short career so far.

Bharat scored a fine hundred against England Lions but he hasn’t been able to carry the same form. With Ishan Kishan making himself unavailable for selection and KL Rahul not keeping wickets, India is backing KS Bharat.

Atherton told Sky Cricket: “I think he’s kept really well [on KS Bharat] and one of the highlights of the two games, the keepers on both teams, Ben Foakes, obviously, been outstanding for England.”

“Bharat has kept well for India, but he hasn’t scored the runs. He did look a bit tentative in that second innings at Vishakhapatnam when India were kind of ahead of the game,” he added.

On the other hand, former England batter Ian Bell reckons strike rate should not be an issue for Joe Root. Root has thus far scored only 52 runs in two Test matches against India at an average of 13 and he hasn’t been at his best.

“My personal opinion is – I want Joe Root to just be Joe Root. He’s the best player when he is on his own, he’s the best player in the world.

“One thing with Joe, you don’t have to look at his strike rate anyway. When he plays normally, he would score at such a rate. He’s the best at rotating strikes, hard to get dots on. So, just be the best version of him,” Bell continued.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.