England’s batting approach after tea on day four of the first Test against India at Chennai prompted much debate on social media.

The visitors entered the final session of the day with a lead of 360 and five wickets in hand, with a declaration widely expected following a search for quick runs.

In the end, England batted till they were dismissed by the Indian bowlers, with their 19.3 overs in the session leading to 59 runs at a run rate of 3.06, a decrease on their run rate in the innings prior to tea (4.41). India were set a final target of 420 to win the match, which would be a record-breaking chase if they complete it.

During the final session, former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne questioned England’s tactics with the bat, writing on Twitter: “Very surprised England haven’t declared yet & why aren’t they trying to get 400 asap? England batted to [sic] long in the 1st innings too & now letting the game drift & showing no urgency at all. Surely they are better of bowling now than wasting overs not scoring any runs.”

He later added: “England’s mindset is let’s not lose this test match – rather than what’s the best way to win this test match and how many overs could we need ! This batting on decision is now putting a lot of pressure on England’s bowlers and particularly their spinners !”.

During the latter stages of England’s innings, Indian journalist Harsha Bhogle was also critical of their approach. “England are batting on and while they have enough time, they aren’t taking the game forward,” Bhogle wrote on Twitter. “If anything they are sucking overs out of the game. They are playing to ensure India can’t go for it and bat defensively.

“England will get an hour and 15 mins if they declare now,” he added minutes later. “They have enough runs. At most 17-18 overs today. India won’t mind this at all”.

India finished the day on 39-1 after 13 overs, with Jack Leach removing Rohit Sharma.

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