ENG vs IND: “It’s a shame” – Virat Kohli expresses disappointment at drawn Test match in Nottingham

ENG vs IND: “It’s a shame” – Virat Kohli expresses disappointment at drawn Test match in Nottingham

Virat Kohli

Team India skipper Virat Kohli was highly disappointed as the first Test match against England ended in a draw. The final day’s play was washed away due to continuous rain at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. He reckoned that India had a great chance of winning the Test match, owing to their positive intent.  

The Virat Kohli-led side was down to chase 209 in the fourth innings to begin the five-match series on a high note. The visitors had already reached 52/1 and the match was in their control while needing 157 more runs on the ultimate day of the Test match.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Virat said:

“We were expecting rain on days three and four, but it chose to come on Day Five. It would have been enjoyable to play and watch, but it’s a shame. This is exactly what we wanted to do; start strong. On Day Five, we knew we had our chances.

“We certainly felt like we were on top of the game. Getting that lead was crucial, but it’s a shame we couldn’t finish day five. Getting to fifty overnight was important. It wasn’t just about survival. It was about getting the boundaries when we got the chance.”

“Will be a 4-1 template going ahead”

The 32-year-old asserted that the team will continue playing with a combination of four fast bowlers and a spinner in the upcoming Test matches as well.

“Most likely, it will be a template going ahead (4-1 combination), but we’ve always been adaptable as well, to the conditions and pace of the wicket. It’s going to be an exciting series to be a part of, as India-England always is,” he added.

The Indian captain also leapt praises for the improved batting of the lower-order members of the playing XI. He highlighted that it’s an outcome of three weeks of their hard work.

“It’s the hard work of three-odd weeks (the lower-order batting). They were in the nets regularly, and we got a lead of 95 purely from their efforts. Those runs were gold dust. I think they did a tremendous job with the bat,” Kohli signed off.

The second Test match between India and England will take place from August 12 onwards at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.

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