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Didn't want to play for survival, our intent kept us ahead: Virat Kohli

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Last updated on 09 Aug 2021 | 03:56 AM
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Didn't want to play for survival, our intent kept us ahead: Virat Kohli

The final day of the Test was washed out with India requiring 157 runs more to win with nine wickets in hand

After a rain-marred final day in Nottingham, India captain Virat Kohli insists that the team picked for the first Test will be the template moving ahead in the series. India picked four seamers and just one spinner in the Trent Bridge Test and we could see a similar combination in the coming matches. But he was pleased with the effort put in by his team and feels their intent always kept them ahead in the game.

"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," Kohli said after the match.

"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."

India needed to score 157 runs on the final day but the rain did not allow a single ball to be bowled. "Getting that lead was crucial, but it's a shame we couldn't finish day five. Getting to fifty overnight was important. We just didn't want to play for survival. Our intent kept us ahead. It's hard work of three odd weeks for our bowlers with the bat."

Kohli added, "We were talking of a lead of 40-odd but we ended up with 95 and those runs were gold dust."

"Most likely this will be our template in this series, but adaptability has been our strength. The conditions and the pace on the wicket needs to be seen, but this team will be our template. England and India have always been a blockbuster, and looking forward to the next Test."

Due to the rain, not a single ball was bowled on Day Five, with India needing 157 runs more to win with nine wickets in hand. As a result of this draw, both India and England have been awarded four points apiece as part of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

"Great Test match to play in and watch as well. Sets up the series really well and hopefully, we can take it into the next games. We certainly believed we could win. We knew we would have opportunities if we took our catches and kept our fields."

"It's a shame it ended this way. There are certain areas where we want to get better. We want to get better at the top of the order and take our catches. We need strong characters. We want to keep that enthusiasm in, it is fun scoring runs and a fun game."

It would have taken an incredible bowling effort from England to stop India from scoring 209 runs despite the overcast conditions. Root added, "Really relishing the opportunities in front of us. We have to deal with till the schedule changes and the setup changes. The experienced guys have it easier going from white ball to Test cricket, but the younger guys might not have that experience. It must be quite challenging for our youngsters, but that's no excuse."

About his hundred in the second innings, he said, "To finally get to my century was a relief given how I played throughout the day. I think India have a very good seam attack and credit to them for the way they bowled."

"I just wanted to put the pressure back on them with a few shots. Certainly feel full of confidence on the back of that," he added.

(With inputs from PTI)

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