IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli – Quality of batting from both sides were not up to the mark
Virat Kohli has admitted that the quality of the batting from both sides was not up to the mark in the third Test match between India and England that ended under just two days in Ahmedabad.
The revamped Motera Stadium – christened after Narendra Modi – was all set to host the second pink-ball Test on Indian soil, with the spectators expecting a riveting contest. But, as it turned out, the pitch was unfolded as a spinner’s paradise, with the match getting over before the end of Day 2.
While local boy Axar Patel hogged the limelight with 11 wickets in the match, England batsmen failed miserably throughout the game, registering scores of 112 and 81 in the two innings. Even though India did not fare well in their first innings, it was not a tedious task to chase 49 runs and take a 2-1 lead in the series. Indian skipper admitted that the quality of batting from both sides were not up to the mark.
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“To be honest, I don’t think the quality of batting was up to standards. We were 100 for 3 and they bowled out for less than 150. It was just the oddball turning and it was a good wicket to bat in the first innings. It was bizarre that 21 of the 30 wickets fell to straight balls, Test cricket is about trusting your defense. Lack of application ensured it was a quick finish,” said Virat Kohli, during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Ashwin is a modern-day legend in Tests, claims Virat Kohli
Apart from being Ishant Sharma’s 100th Test and the glorious back-drop of the world’s largest cricket stadium, the match will be etched in the memory of million cricket fans as Ravichandran Ashwin claimed his 400th scalp in white jerseys during the game. Virat Kohli not only lauded his teammate’s achievement but also claimed that he is a modern-day legend in the five-day format.
“I think we need to stand up and take notice of what Ashwin has done. In Tests, he is a modern-day legend. As a captain, I am so pleased he is in my team,” concluded the batsman.