Leeds, June 23 -- Former cricketer Michael Atherton didn't mince his words as he lampooned Ben Stokes-led England's tactical ploy for India's KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant on day four of the opening Test at Headingley.

Rahul and vice-captain Pant shifted the game's dynamics in India's favour by stitching up a 195-run stand, which pushed England back against the wall. With a blend of flamboyance and calmness, Rahul and Pant enthralled the spectators while adding to England's tantalised, inexperienced bowling attack's woes.

Rahul and Pant finished with 137(347) and 118(140), respectively, putting India in a position to control the play. Throughout their stay in the second innings, Stokes tried to limit the damage and switched to a defensive p...