The gripping England vs India Test series at Edgbaston produced a storyline few anticipated—one involving Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna and an ignominious entry into the record books. The 29-year-old fast bowler etched his name in cricketing history for the wrong reasons, becoming the worst economy rate bowler in Test cricket history, courtesy of a savage onslaught from England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
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England vs India: Nightmare at Edgbaston for Krishna
In what was meant to be a golden opportunity to solidify his spot in India’s Test XI, Prasidh Krishna endured a harrowing outing during the second Eng vs Ind Test. England’s Jamie Smith dismantled the Indian pacer’s rhythm and figures, pummeling 38 runs off just 19 deliveries—a strike rate that wouldn’t look out of place in a T20 game, let alone a Test match.
The low point came in the 32nd over when Smith carted Krishna for 23 runs, revealing a troubling lack of control and tactical adaptability from the Indian seamer.
Krishna bowled 8 overs in England’s first innings at an economy of 7.60—a figure shockingly close to his IPL numbers, not something you’d expect in the red-ball format. For perspective, Krishna conceded runs in Tests at a rate not far off his IPL 2025 economy rate of 8.27.
Stat Shock: Krishna’s Test Economy Hits Rock Bottom
By Test match standards, Krishna’s economy rate is now historically the worst among bowlers who have delivered a minimum of 500 balls. His cumulative figures read:
- Balls Bowled: 588
- Runs Conceded: 518
- Economy Rate: 5.28
- Wickets Taken: 13
Worst Test Bowling Economy Rates (Min 500 Balls)
| Bowler | Country | Innings | Balls | Economy | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prasidh Krishna | India | 8 | 588 | 5.28 | 13 |
| Varun Aaron | India | 14 | 1189 | 4.77 | 18 |
| Zahir Khan | Afghanistan | 10 | 900 | 4.66 | 15 |
| Aamer Jamal | Pakistan | 11 | 893 | 4.63 | 21 |
| Nahid Rana | Bangladesh | 15 | 1332 | 4.59 | 24 |
Krishna’s economy in the ongoing England vs India Test series is even more alarming—6.53 runs per over, far exceeding that of Shardul Thakur (5.56), despite bowling 27 more overs.
What Went Wrong for Krishna?
Several critical flaws in Prasidh Krishna’s bowling arsenal became painfully evident:
Inconsistent Line and Length
The hallmark of successful Test bowlers is consistency, something Krishna has yet to master. Too many boundary balls allowed England’s aggressive batters to dictate terms.
Ineffective Short Balls
Attempting a bouncer barrage, Krishna’s deliveries often rose only to chest height, lacking bite and threatening neither edge nor helmet.
Poor Tactical Execution
Even after being hammered for 23 in one over, Krishna bizarrely persisted with the same approach—aggressive but misdirected short-pitched bowling.
Fragile Under Pressure
As runs leaked, Krishna’s confidence evaporated. The mounting pressure seemed to cloud his judgment, leading to repetitive errors in execution.
Jamie Smith’s Role in the Eng vs Ind Test Carnage
England’s Jamie Smith, playing with fearless aggression, ruthlessly exposed Krishna’s weaknesses. His 38-run cameo off Krishna’s bowling was a masterclass in modern Test batting—precise, aggressive, and impactful.
Smith’s proactive strokeplay flipped the momentum in England’s favour and underlined the England vs India Test series’ theme of high-risk, high-reward cricket. With conventional drives and audacious ramp shots, Smith made it clear that defensive bowling lines would not suffice.
India’s Bowling Strategy Under Scrutiny
Krishna’s performance has forced the Indian management to reconsider their bowling combination for the remainder of the England vs India series. With Jasprit Bumrah absent, the pressure on secondary pacers has increased, and Krishna’s inability to step up has become a major liability.
In contrast, Mohammed Siraj has shone brightly, adapting to English conditions with control and discipline—something Krishna must strive to emulate.
Historical Perspective: How Bad Is Krishna’s Record?
Prior to Krishna, the list of worst economy rates was led by fellow Indian quick Varun Aaron. Now, the Indian team finds two of its pacers among the least economical bowlers in Test history—a worrying trend for a team aiming for overseas success.
Format Comparison of Krishna’s Economy Rates
| Format | Krishna’s Economy | Acceptable Range |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 5.28 | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| ODI | 5.92 | 4.5 – 5.5 |
| T20 (IPL) | 8.27 | 6.0 – 8.0 |
Krishna’s numbers highlight a mismatch between his natural game and the demands of Test cricket, especially in foreign conditions.
Can Krishna Bounce Back?
The road ahead will be tough. To stay relevant in India’s red-ball plans, Krishna must undergo a transformation:
- Refine Line and Length: Focus on repeatable actions under pressure.
- Build Mental Resilience: Work with sports psychologists to handle match scenarios better.
- Improve Tactical Thinking: Learn from every outing and diversify plans quickly.
- Physical Endurance: Build stamina to sustain performance over extended spells.
FAQs
What is Prasidh Krishna’s current economy rate in Test cricket?
His economy rate stands at 5.28 runs per over—currently the worst in Test history (minimum 500 balls).
How many runs did Jamie Smith score off Krishna?
Jamie Smith scored 38 runs from just 19 balls, including a 23-run over.
Who had the worst economy rate before Prasidh Krishna?
Varun Aaron held one of the worst Test economy rates with 4.77 runs per over.
What is Krishna’s economy rate in the England vs India series?
In the current series, Krishna is conceding 6.53 runs per over.
Is Prasidh Krishna’s Test economy worse than his IPL stats?
Yes. Though his IPL economy was 8.27, his Test rate of 5.28 is severely high by red-ball standards.
