Commentator Simon Doull criticised India for choosing Mohammed Siraj as their nightwatchman against New Zealand in Mumbai, a move that backfired spectacularly.
India lost three wickets in the space of eight balls to slip from 78-1 to 84-4, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, along with nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj's dismissal typified India's chaotic evening: averaging 4.69 in Tests, the fast bowler has never faced more than 22 balls in a Test innings. With the surface showing ample turn on the opening day itself, it was a brave call exposing Siraj's defence against New Zealand's spinners, even without Mitchell Santner.
It was also the first time Siraj was doing nightwatchman duties in his 31-Test career.
Facing Ajaz Patel first ball, Siraj brought a big stride out, but failed to read the turn, getting hit on the back leg right in front of the stumps. There was little doubt he was out lbw, but to make matters worse, he ended up burning an India review.
It was Siraj's tenth duck in 40 innings.
Speaking on JioCinema after the day's play, Simon Doull questioned India's thought-process behind Siraj's promotion.
"If you going to be having a player out in the middle, he has to be able to play," Doull said. "You can't be sending your No.11 or your senior bowler out there. If it was going to be someone, it had to be Ashwin, because he can actually bat, get through the night, come tomorrow here and score runs because he is good enough to do that."
"But in tricky conditions, when the ball is turning, and to be fair, Ajaz hadn't bowled well. New Zealand spinners haven't actually bowled that well. There were a couple past the bat, but it wasn't consistent enough.
"To send a player out there who bats 10 or 11, and is not proficient against spin on turning conditions, I thought was a big mistake. If Virat Kohli is not going to come out - and I totally understand, a lot of batters around the world that do that – would prefer to have a nightwatchman, would prefer to be out there tomorrow.
"But send in a guy who can play, please!"
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
