As the Test series between England and India comes to an abrupt end with the visitors leading 2-1 after four games, cricket experts and pundits have heaped praise of Team India’s performance.
Australia’s legendary spinner Shane Warne was a little disappointed about the cancelled fifth Test but acknowledged the fact that excellent cricket had been played in the series. He credited India for the brand of cricket they played.
"I just feel a bit robbed. I feel this series has been absolutely outstanding. I take my hat off to India with the cricket they played. I think both sides have played in the right spirits. So I think we all feel a little bit robbed that this Test match didn't go ahead.
If they were in the middle of a Test match or delayed it by a couple of days, that means the flow on effect with the IPL and everything else is going to be thrown into chaos so I’m not sure they are left with any other option," Warne said on Sky Cricket.
The series was exciting and had all elements of a brilliant Test series. It had last day finishes, banters, a few controversies and most importantly never-say-die attitude from both teams. England fought back with a statement after being 1-0 down and India hit England back when the series was 1-1.
"I feel for the players. Both sides were up for it and I can tell that by the way the series has been played. This Test series meant a lot to both sides. India left the series 2-1. Being the No. 1 Test side was their goal.
They wanted to beat England in England… in swinging and seaming conditions with the Dukes ball. So, they sort of felt like they ticked every box. They would have liked to go out on a high," Warne added.
The legend further thanked Virat Kohli and his team to have played out of their skins and become great adverts of Test cricket.
"I saw India first hand this year in Australia play some amazing Test cricket. Just remember… they got bowled out for 36 in the first Test match and they came back and won the next. Virat Kohli went back home, they lost their captain, they had injuries.
Australia hadn't lost a Test match in Brisbane for 40 years. They chased over 300 to win. I just saw it firsthand how determined they were… how important Test cricket is. I think all of us have to say Thank You to Virat Kohli, thank you to India for pushing Test cricket," said the former Australia spinner.
He added that this Indian team has been the best team for the last 12 months.
"In Test match cricket, over five days, the best team always wins, and I think India have been the best team in this series and I think they were the best team in Australia. So what they have achieved in the last 12 months has been absolutely outstanding and a big thank you to Virat Kohli, Warne concluded.
