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.