IND vs ENG: Anshul Kamboj at the centre of India's miserable bowling? Ricky Ponting and Nasser Hussain pinpoint mistake

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Former Test captains Ricky Ponting and Nasser Hussain expressed concern over India's decision to start their bowling attack with debutant Anshul Kamboj ahead of senior pacer Mohammed Siraj on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford.

After being asked to bat first, India ended the opening day (July 23) at 264/4, with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant retiring hurt due to a foot injury. Despite the setback, Pant resumed his innings the next morning, battling through a fractured foot to score a gritty 54 and take India's total to 358.

England began their reply shortly before the tea break and made a strong start in the 14 overs before stumps, reaching 77 without loss. Ben Duckett scored 43*, while Zak Crawley remained unbeaten on 33.

During the session break, both Ponting and Hussain questioned the logic behind opening the bowling with Kamboj and Jasprit Bumrah, instead of bringing in the more experienced Siraj.

"I think we heard it just before the break when we were coming out, [I think] Ravi Shastri said it was rubbish," Ponting said on Sky Sports. "They just missed their areas. I'm not quite sure what they're expecting out of this surface, but I was surprised that they actually went with Kamboj ahead of Siraj with the new ball to start with. Knowing what impact Siraj has had on this series so far, knowing how important the start of England's batting innings is. You know they're going to come out and play their shots."

Hussain echoed the same sentiment and criticised India's poor execution with the ball.

"[There were] slightly changing conditions, but they bowled really poorly. Change in overhead conditions doesn't make you bowl both sides of the wicket," Hussain said.

Hussain was extremely vocal about bringing Anshul Kamboj to bowl ahead of Mohammed Siraj. Kamboj was brought into the side for the last two Tests and has been handed a debut in this match.

"To bring him into the squad, bring him into the team and give him the new ball ahead of Siraj seems odd. I would've gone Siraj for a short burst at that end, and then switch him to this end to follow Bumrah, because we've all been talking about that green channel and that strip across. This is the end the seamers probably want to bowl," he added.

England have found control in the encounter massively as the hosts have amassed 221 for 2 at the end of Day 2 of the Test match.