London, Aug 18: Rain brought about a premature end to the first day’s play of the fourth Test between England at India at Kennigton Oval in London. In an exclusive chat with www.bcci.tv, Ravi Shastri discussed India’s bowling concerns and England captain Andrew Strauss’s decision to bat first on the rain-marred day.

Do you agree with Andrew Strauss’s decision to bat first?

They are 3-0 up in the series, he decided that the pitch will do a bit for an hour, hour-and-a-half or so but then after that it will be good conditions to bat. They are a positive side, they are playing good cricket, so he was thinking positively when he decided to bat first and it’s paid off; they are already [on] 75 [runs] for no loss.

The Indian pacers didn’t manage to trouble the England batsmen enough in the morning session.

It is a very ordinary Indian attack now, really a toothless attack. I know RP Singh played today, you could see he was clearly short of match practice, he was pulled out of the cold. It is going to be tough times for India especially when they tour overseas in the next couple of years because they need some venom in the attack and without Zaheer [Khan] they really don’t have it.

Were you happy with India’s decision to play RP Singh ahead of Munaf Patel?

It was a little surprising because when you consider [the situation], Munaf at least is match fit. I know [India] might have thought of RP because of swinging conditions but if they [had] thought of that, they should have got him straightaway during the first Test match so he could at least have had a couple of weeks in England or little more than that before he got the opportunity here.

Was there a case for Virat Kohli being picked ahead of Suresh Raina?

I wouldn’t think so. I think they believe Raina has talent and they are giving him the opportunity. If anyone would have to replace Raina I would have taken Abhinav Mukund. I think he [Mukund] is a player with promise; he is a Test match player. I am sure I will be proved right in years to come.

How do you see this wicket playing out in the next four days?

It’s going to get flat. It’s a true track, […] there won’t be much lateral movement and again I believe England well get the best of the conditions.