None of the pitches have been turners: Virat Kohli

Mohali: “None of the pitches have been turners. We have just played very good cricket. We are getting more and more confident. For our quicks to hurry their batsmen is great too,” Kohli said as he praised his bowlers in what could be seen as a message to the critics who were sceptical of India’s rise to the top of ICC Test rankings following their series win against South Africa and New Zealand.

India did not allow England to cash in after the visitors had elected to bat on a wicket that offered a lot of help for the batsmen. While India were sloppy in the field as they dropped four catches on day one of the Test, the bowlers did a remarkable job to wrap up England’s first innings for 283.

Kohli said he was surprised after hearing the cheer as England won the toss.

“I was surprised to hear the cheer when they won the toss. You still have to go out and win the game. We got motivated by that actually. We lost the toss, bowled them out for 280. Very happy with the way the guys have stood up,” said the Indian skipper.

Kohli, who scored 62 in the first innings, lauded the lower order’s batting contribution. India were reeling at 204/6 on day two of the Test and England would have fancied their chances to the turn the match on its head.

However, R Ashwin (72), Ravindra Jadeja (90) and Jayant Yadav (55) came to hometeam’s rescue as India put up 417 runs on board. The trio also derailed England innings with the ball as they shared 12 wickets among themselves in the Test.

“It was amazing to see the lower order contribute. The lower-order contribution is a proud achievement. That pushes the opposition back. Ashwin is a champion, No. 1 allrounder, Jadeja is in the top 10, and for Jayant to show the maturity in his first Tests. He asked me for the fields he wanted. He took their spinners on,” said Kohli.

The skipper, who is yet to field the same playing XI as a captain in Test cricket, was happy to see Mohammed Shami back in form after the injury he sustained a while back.

“Shami feels the injury was a blessing in disguise. He has become more hard-working. He has come back fitter and stronger,” said Kohli.

Kohli also had a word or two for Test debutant Karun Nair who could not do much with the bat after he was run out for four in the first innings.

“(I) felt bad for Karun the debutant but he is a good batsman. I am sure he is looking forward to his next Test,” concluded Kohli.