We got the combination wrong, says skipper Kohli
Skipper Virat Kohli admitted that India erred in team selection after the visitors suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of England on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday.
While opener Shikhar Dhawan, who failed at Edgbaston, made way for Cheteshwar Pujara, chinaman Kuldeep Yadav was preferred over Umesh Yadav. With the conditions favouring fast bowlers, Kohli was quick to accept the mistake committed by the management.
“(I’m) not proud of the way we’ve played. First time in the last five Tests we’ve been outplayed. We deserved to lose this game, the way we went about things. Looking back, I thought we got the combination wrong,” Kohli said after India’s innings and 159-run loss.
“(I) can’t really think about conditions when you’re playing the game. You can’t sit and crib about these things. Sometimes the rub of the green won’t go your way. Even when the ball’s doing a bit, you have to pitch it in the right areas. Their guys were relentless; they made us work for the runs.”
Kohli, who was absent from the field for a long time due to ‘stiff back’ on Saturday and batted with difficulty on Sunday, sounded optimistic about his participation in the third Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, starting August 18.
“I should be fine. Lower back issue, I’m confident I’ll be fine in five days time with a bit of rehab,” he said.
BEST YET TO COME
Meanwhile, England captain Joe Root lauded his side’s stupendous show, especially all-rounder Chris Woakes – who scored his maiden Test century and took four wickets in the match.
“Less stressful (win) definitely,” Root said.
“The bowling unit was exceptional throughout. We had the conditions in our favour, but we had to put it in the right places. Jonny (Bairstow) and (Chris) Woakesy were magnificent. Really pleased for Woakesy. A number of times he’s showed how talented he is. He’s been working hard. He’s someone who has always been a big part of the side.”
Root also sent a warning to India, saying England – who lead the five-match series 2-0 – are yet to play their best cricket.
“Ultimately, it was about doing the same things again and again. We’ve got another day to rest and recover and get our heads around what we’ve done this week. We still haven’t played our best game. There’s room to improve,” he added.
Stuart Broad, who finished with match haul of 5/81, said not giving India batsmen loose deliveries proved to be a major factor in the hosts win.
“I think it was a powerful performance. The emotions at Edgbaston took a lot out of us. Good to come to Lord’s and put the same kind of energy. We were fortunate with how the clouds came to work for us. We talked about it (patience). We didn’t give India too many freebies. We’re really enjoying being out there,” he said.