India captain Virat Kohli was dejected with the result of the first Test against England on Sunday as persistent rain forced a draw at Trent Bridge with the five-match series still locked at 0-0.
“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. This is exactly what we wanted to do; start strong. On day five we knew we had our chances,” Kohli said after the match.
England were shot out for 183 in their first innings with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4 wickets. India then replied with 278 to take a 95-run first innings lead thanks to KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja’s (56) half-centuries.
“We certainly felt like we were on top of the game. 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,” Kohli added.
Joe Root then brought his team back in the game with a fighting 109 on Day 4 before Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul stopped England at 303 in the second innings. The second match of the five-test series is scheduled at Lord’s from Thursday.
“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,” Kohli concluded.
