25 November,2025 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Many online followers reacted to this picture posted by Amol Rajan, claiming he resembles West Indies great Viv Richards
Indian-born British journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan has applied for a place in the England team as a batsman ahead of the second Ashes Test in a satirical social media post, following their dismal capitulation in the opening contest at Perth recently.
England's batting was found wanting during their thumping eight-wicket defeat to Australia inside two days, and Rajan, 42, a former editor of BBC News, insists that he knows how to defend his wicket - proving his point with some batting pictures during one of his club-level matches - and promises to do his best for England in the second Test that begins in Brisbane on December 4.
"I hereby formally submit my application for consideration by selectors of England's Test Match Cricket Team. Based on these photos, I humbly suggest I am worthy of a place in the starting XI for the 2nd Test. I declare myself wholly capable of holding up one end, defending my wicket, trying to bat for five sessions rather than five minutes, and taking however many blows and bruises on my body necessary for the advancement of my country's interests," Rajan, who was born in Kolkata, writes to his 115,000 Instagram followers.
He continues: "I have shown that I know how to hold a bat. And I have lost weight and gained strength, as well as four children, since these photos were taken. Therefore, I have the necessary moral and physical fortitude, as well as the skill and focus and dexterity, to bat properly in actual Test match conditions," Rajan concludes in his post that has received over 5000 âlikes' and some equally hilarious comments. One follower wrote: "Breaking News: Amol Rajan to captain England and will slot in seamlessly at the top to open with Ben Duckett."
"You're in for Crawley," wrote another, while many others requested Rajan to pick them into the England team too alongside him.
