"Absolutely Listless": Ex-India Players React To Humiliating Loss In Edgbaston Test vs England

Cricketers and pundits slammed India's batting in the second innings as England batsmen Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root hit hundreds to thrash the tourists in the fifth Test on Tuesday. India fell to 245 all out to hand England a record victory target of 378, which the hosts achieved with two sessions and seven wickets to spare on the fifth day and end the Covid-delayed five-match series at 2-2. The in-form Bairstow (114) and Root (142) put on an unbeaten stand of 269 for the fourth wicket to pull out a sensational victory.

"Special win by England to level the series. Joe Root & Jonny Bairstow have been in sublime form and made batting look very easy," batting great Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. "Congratulations to England on a convincing victory."

Special win by England to level the series.Joe Root & Jonny Bairstow have been in sublime form and made batting look very easy.Congratulations to England on a convincing victory. @Bazmccullum #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/PKAdWVLGJo

England resumed the day on 259 for three and romped home in the first session of the final day with both Root and Bairstow having it easy against the Indian bowlers. Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan tweeted: "This victory of team England should hurt Team India. That was too easy."

This victory of team England should hurt Team India. That was too easy... #INDvENG

But it was India's second innings that faced criticism after they had posted 416 in the first innings. Apart from Cheteshwar Pujara (66) and Rishabh Pant (57) none of the batsmen survived the English test with skipper Ben Stokes taking four wickets.

Former coach Ravi Shastri hit out at the batsmen for their defensive approach.

"They needed to bat two sessions and I thought they were