ENG v IND 2018: Virat Kohli’s uplifting words for his troops before the Nottingham Test

Team India are 0-2 down in the ongoing five-Test series against England.

Kohli during a press conference at Trent Bridge | Getty

There were plenty of hopes from the Virat Kohli led Indian Test team as they embarked on their England tour after winning 9 of their last 10 series. However, the numero uno Test side are yet to prove their mettle on English soil, losing the first Test at Edgbaston by 31 runs and suffering a humiliating innings and 159-run defeat at Lord’s to go 2-0 down in the five-Test series.

After being bundled out for 274 and 162 in the opening Test, it was expected that the Indian batsmen would lift their game at the Home of Cricket. Unfortunately, the inept technique of visiting batters once again exposed when they bowled out for a mere 107 and 130 in the second Test.

Although the series is on the line, skipper Kohli feels that it is not a bad thing for his team to be playing with their backs against the wall for the remaining three Tests.

"The only thing we have spoken of us is what the team requires at all times in this Test match. When your back is against the wall, you can't afford to think of anything else. If you look at it from another point of view, it's a good situation to be in because you have literally have no room for thinking about anything else apart from what the team requires,” Kohli quoted while addressing the media on the eve of the third Test.

"The only conversation we have had is that the only option is to win this Test and nothing else. You need to show that in your body language, in your intent and the way you go about things.. it's all about you feeling positive first. That is the conversation we have had in the last few days and like I said, it's now up to the individuals to stand up and say I am going to go out there and make a difference,” he added.

Meanwhile, Virat has regained his full fitness for the Trent Bridge Test. He 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.

"I am feeling fine, absolutely fine. It has been an issue that has been coming on and off. I got it in 2011 the first time. It happens with the work load. The back is such a thing you do not know when it going to go off so all you can do is strengthen muscles around it and work on it.. a bit of strengthening, ample rest and proper rehab to get back into shape. I have had it a couple of times before so I knew how to handle it," he remarked.

When asked if India would bring in an extra batsman given the failure of the batting unit thus far, Kohli replied: "Depends on the surface. If it has enough assistance for the bowlers, then an extra batsman might come in. But if the pitch is going to be even for batting and bowling then obviously picking up 20 wickets would be a priority.”

"Batsmen will then have to take the responsibility and put runs on the board. If you don't pick 20 wickets .... both possibilities are there depending on how spicy the wicket is," he concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 18 Aug, 2018

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