England urged to go down ‘shaking a stick’ at Indians
England might seem destined for defeat after failing to match India on a turning track in Chennai, but Joe Root's side have been told to go down swinging in the second Test.
India rode on the back of Ravichandran Ashwin's fifth Test century to establish what should surely be an impregnable lead on day three, then left England 53 for three chasing a distant 482.
With spinners Ashwin and Axar Patel getting the ball to talk on a pitch that has spun sharply from the first session, and wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav also on deck, a series-levelling home win appears the only logical outcome.
But Jeetan Patel, travelling with the team as a spin bowling coach, insists timid batting is not an option.
"It's about staying positive,” he said.
"We've got stroke makers in the group and we want them to express themselves.
"If we sit back and try to defend for two days we're not going to have much success and not going to go anywhere in the game.
"I'm not about to say we're 100% going to win this game
but we are going to shake a stick at it."
England were this morning due to resume with number three Dan Lawrence hoping to build on a bright cameo of 19 not out and captain Joe Root with two to his name. He will consider himself fortunate to get another chance after being trapped on the back foot by Patel shortly before stumps.
He was given not out on the field, a decision upheld by DRS - which judged the point of impact as 'umpire's call' despite Root seemingly being struck clearly in line.
Patel admitted he would have been "disappointed" not to get the decision in his playing days and tactfully avoided any criticism of India captain Virat Kohli's animated reaction as he confronted the umpires.
"I feel he plays at his best when he's passionate, he's excited about what's happening and he's got his influence," said Patel.
"It's not for me to get involved in. It's for match referees, people who have watched the game, they can make their decision on that.
"For me, that's the way he gets the best out of himself, the way he gets the best out of the crowd and his teammates follow him."
The third Test starts on February 24.