India in England, 2018

[ankit1407]

I dont think Rahul or Pant had the skill to bat out, they just decided to go after it and for their own sake it worked out well...but i am pretty sure if they decided to play like the earlier tests none would have lasted this long....

[prasen9]

No, they do not need to play like the last few tests. But something smarter.

If ball is outside leg, pad it.
If ball is outside off and you are sure it is not going to hit the wickets, leave it.
If it is short and you can leave it, leave it.
Otherwise, play the ball just like they played aggressively.

That would have been the smartest strategy to save the test. But, they went after balls outside the off and outside leg. And, that, while it gives them cheap runs sometimes, also increases their chance of getting out. And, they really do not need to play those.

That was my problem with their innings. They played for themselves and not for a draw.

Essentially, you can't defend. So, hit the balls, but just hit the ones that you absolutely need to play.