Virat Kohli, India captain said that the verbal altercation between England players and the two Indian tail-enders Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah spurred them to go flat out at the home team in 60 available overs. Indian Team eventually got the job done in 51.5 overs with pacers producing a high-quality show to dismiss England for 120.
Resuming from 181-6, leading by only 154 runs, India was soon reduced to 209-8, losing both their overnight batsmen in the form of Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma.
Virat Kohli Is Proud Of The Whole Indian Team Praising ‘Outstanding’ Batting Efforts Of Tail-enders Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami
However, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami defied all odds and showed their desire and determination to fight it out, fuelled by England’s constant sledging and bouncers, as the pair added an unbeaten 89-run stand for the ninth wicket as India declared at 298-8 to set up a stiff 272-run target for Joe Root-led England.
“Super proud of the whole team. The way we stuck to our plans after being put in. The pitch didn’t offer much in the first three days. The first day was the most challenging,” said Virat Kohli at the post-match presentation.
“The way we played in the second innings after being put under pressure – Jasprit and Shami were outstanding. We had the belief we can get them out in 60 overs. The tension in the field in our second innings, what happened there, helped us,” Virat Kohli, who had sledged Ollie Robinson during the fag end of the second innings, said.
The special duo of tailender pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah was applauded by the entire team which came down from the dressing room to welcome them.
“Putting their hand up was something we were really proud of and we wanted to let them know (standing ovation for Bumrah-Shami). Batting coach has worked really hard with the boys. They have the desire in them to do well for the team. We know how priceless those runs are. The belief (from lower-order) was missing for a while but now it is back,” said Virat Kohli.
It was India’s third Test win at Lord’s and Virat Kohli called it a special one. Virat Kohli hasn’t been in spectacular form with the bat, but as captain, he is doing exceedingly well.
“Have been a part of the winning Test last time under MS (Dhoni). That was pretty special. But this one, to get a result in 60 overs is quite special. And especially with someone like Siraj playing for the first time at Lord’s and he bowled superbly. We decided 60 is our mark. Crucial breakthroughs with the new ball was the right start for us. Very happy with the support (crowd) we got,” Virat Kohli added.
England skipper Joe Root admitted they got their tactics wrong when Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah were batting while praising Mark Wood and Moeen Ali. Mark Wood’s speed and Moeen Ali’s spin did the damage as a passive Indian side laboured to 181 for six at stumps on the 4th day.
“We went from a very strong position where we looked like we would win the game to losing. More than anything, just got a few things wrong. That partnership, they did pretty well. But lots of things I’d do differently if given an opportunity.”
On the positives, Root added: “His attitude (Mark Wood), the way he goes about things.. Mo’s (Moeen Ali) come back well. There are things we can take from this game. We’re used to playing five-match series. Important not to panic and stay calm. So good to have the crowds back to sporting arenas in general,” said Root.
England was set a 272-run target, which proved enough as India registered a memorable 151-run win to take a 1-0 lead. Apart from Joe Root’s 33 and Jos Buttler’s 25, none scored more than 15 uns as England managed only 120.
KL Rahul: Banter Can Be Expected With Two Competetive Teams In Action
KL Rahul got his name on the honours board with a sublime hundred and was the player of the match.
“I’ve been looking at it every morning to see if they’ve put it on permanently. They haven’t – it’s still a temporary piece of paper (name on the honours boards),” said Rahul.
“To put on 360 on the board was really crucial, very happy. Been here for a couple of months now and been working really hard on our skills. Even in the first game at Trent Bridge, the batsmen have shown a lot of discipline.”
With the game headed for a tense finish, words were exchanged on the field regularly.
“That’s what you expect with two competitive teams – great skills, and a few words as well. We don’t mind some banter. You go after one of our guys and all XI of us will come back,” added Rahul.
Put in to bat, India rode on KL Rahul‘s classy 129 to post 364 in the first innings, but England skipper Joe Root struck an unbeaten 180 to help England post 391 in their first essay and take a 27-run lead.