Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin mocked England's Harry Brook for blaming smog for his poor performance against Indian spinners in the first T20I. Ashwin emphasised that visibility was clear in Chennai and suggested that Brook's inability to read Varun Chakravarthy's googly is the real issue.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a dig at England batter Harry Brook for his bizarre 'smog' excuse after failure in the first T20I in Kolkata.

Meanwhile, attacking knocks by skipper Jos Buttler and Brydon Carse helped England reach 165-9 after India opted to bowl. Buttler hit 45 and Carse 31 off 17 deliveries in as the tourists look to level the five-match series in Chennai after India won the opener.

England 's top-order batter, Harry Brook, has stressed on the need for his side to put constant pressure on the Indian bowling attack in the second T20I. The strategy comes after England's seven-wicket loss in Kolkata, which has put India ahead in the five-match series (1-0).

Harry Brook, England's vice-captain, says that his team's hopes of combatting India's spin bowlers in the first T20I were hampered by an unusual but familiar foe to English touring sides - a thick layer of smog hanging over the ground in Kolkata.

Harry Brook looked uncomfortable against the spin when spinners were operating and lost his wicket to Varun Chakravarthy.