Rahul warns against sledging India
London, Aug. 17: If any rival player tries to sledge one of ours, the remaining 10 would only come hard at the opposition and that’s exactly what had happened with England in the second Test, said India opener KL Rahul.
The on-field altercations started after Mark Wood dished out short-pitched stuff targeting Jasprit Bumrah’s head, resulting in an argument with England skipper Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson. Even rookie Ollie Robinson was having a go at the Indian batters.
However, the tables turned when England were bowled out for paltry 120 in their second innings with India captain Virat Kohli leading the battle of sledges.
“It showed how badly both teams wanted to win. That’s how Test cricket is played. We as a team are never shy to say a word or too,” player-of-the-match Rahul, who scored 129 in the first innings, said after the match.
“Someone comes after our player and rest of the 10 guys get pumped as well. That’s the kind of atmosphere and team bonding that we have. If you go after one of our guys that means you are going after whole team,” Rahul said.
He, in fact, made it clear that all the four fast bowlers were ready to give England a test of their own medicine. “Bowlers were really keen to have a go and have a crack out there in the middle and give it their all in 60 overs. This is what people come to watch and it only speaks about how badly each team wants to win.”
He lauded Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s record 89-run ninth-wicket stand.
“Partnership between Bumrah and Shami was so so good and after they put up a fight like that, bowlers were waiting to have a crack at them. We knew after lunch the declaration is going to come.”