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Speaking ahead of the second Test in Visakhapatnam, Foakes expressed a more positive mindset within the team, emphasizing the need to put pressure on the Indian bowlers.
“Going into that, I was thinking, ‘These are horrific wickets – I just need to find a way to stay in.’ I think now the group is more, if that’s the situation, you’ve got to be positive; got to put it [pressure] back on the bowler and put them under pressure,” said Foakes.
He highlighted a shift in the team’s approach, moving away from the fear of getting out that characterized their mindset in the first Test. The English batters are now focused on being more positive and looking for opportunities to dominate, even on challenging surfaces.
“Before, there was more of a fear of getting out and that put us in our shells. Whereas now it’s not worrying that you are getting out and accepting that you probably are on those sorts of surfaces. But how can you actually go and dominate at times as well?” added Foakes.
As both England and India prepare for the second Test in Visakhapatnam starting on Friday, the visitors will be buoyed by their performance in the first Test.
Ollie Pope‘s crucial innings and debutant Tom Hartley‘s outstanding bowling helped England secure a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pope’s innings of 196 not only nullified India’s lead but also set up a target that could be defended on a challenging surface. Hartley’s remarkable figures of 7/62 in the second innings were crucial in turning the game in England’s favor.
Hartley’s performance marked the best figures for an England spinner on Test debut since 1945. Additionally, he became the fourth England spinner to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut in this century.
The second Test promises more excitement as both teams aim for a decisive result in the series.
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(With inputs from ANI)
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