ENG v IND 2018: India were simply outplayed at Lord’s, admits Virat Kohli

India lost the second Test at Lord's by an innings and 159 runs.

Virat Kohli failed to deliver with the bat in the second Test at Lord's | Getty

After suffering a humiliating defeat in the second Test against England at Lord’s on Sunday (August 12), India skipper Virat Kohli acknowledged that his team was simply outplayed by the hosts and deserved to lose this match.

England bowlers wreaked havoc and bundled out India for just 130 in the second dig to register an innings and 159-run victory on the fourth day of the Lord’s Test.

"Not proud of the way we've played. First time in the last five Tests that we've been outplayed. We deserved to lose this game, the way we went about things," Kohli quoted at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The visitors folded for an abysmal score of 107 in the first innings at Lord’s. The inept technique of Indian batsmen once again exposed as the English bowlers made the most of overcast conditions.

"Can't really think about conditions when you're playing the game. You can't sit and crib about these things. Sometimes the rub of the green won't go your way. Even when the ball's doing a bit, you have to pitch it in the right areas. Their guys were relentless, they made us work for the runs," he added.

The Indian team management had dropped pacer Umesh Yadav from the playing XI to draft wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the pacer-friendly conditions. And Kohli admitted that it was a huge mistake.

"Looking at things now, the weather was so unpredictable, I think we got the combination a bit off before the game. Chance to correct that next game," the Indian captain remarked.

Kohli had to miss the on-field action for a few overs during the third and fourth day’s play at Lord’s due to a stiff back. However, he is confident of regaining the full fitness before the third Test.

"Five days to go, should be okay. Lower back issue coming up again and again, purely because of the workload. Confident I'll be fine in five days time," Kohli concluded.

Trent Bridge will host the third Test between England and India from Saturday (August 18).

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 13 Aug, 2018

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