Picture : Twitter/ BCCI
India captain Virat Kohli promised there would no let-up from his side following an impressive 151-run win over England in the second Test at Lord’s on Monday he labelled a “day late” Independence celebration.
According to a report by AFP, This match was in the balance early on the final day before a ninth-wicket stand of 89 between Mohammed Shami (56 not out) and Jasprit Bumrah (34 not out), both of whom made their highest Test scores, allowed Kohli to declare India’s second innings on 298-8.
That left England chasing a target of 272 but, with Mohammed Siraj taking 4-32 and fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah 3-33,Ishant Sharma 2/13 they slumped to 120 all out.
Victory, which left Kohli’s men 1-0 up in this five-match series, came just a day after India’s Independence Day on August 15 and the tourists enjoyed plenty of vocal support at Lord’s.
“We fed off that energy,” said Kohli.
“It’s a day late celebration for Independence Day. It’s the best feeling we can give the Indians here and back in India.
“We have three matches to go and we will be just as intense,” added Kohli, looking to lead India to just a fourth Test series win in England after successes in 1971, 1986 and 2007.
Reflecting on what was just India’s third win in 19 Tests at the ‘home of cricket’, Kohli said: “I feel super proud of the whole team. The pitch didn’t offer much in the first three days.
“The way we played this morning with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Burmah with the bat was important. “We believed we could get them out in 60 overs and the bowlers were outstanding.”
