If there ever could be an advertsiment for Test cricket, one that was meant to revive the format in the best way possible, the Edgbastson 2018 Test between India and England would find a spot in the first few breaths of cricket critics and fans all around the globe.
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31 runs separated the two sides at the end of 4 days of gruelling cricket, but encapsulating the entire match with just that one phrase wouldn’t be wise.
It was a match that traversed the entire spectrum of emotions, one that brought out the best in Virat Kohli and one that made the average cricket fan fall in love with Test match cricket all over again.
Ultimately the Indian lower order couldn’t really hold on to their wickets on the 4th morning and the team folded after Kohli was trapped in front off Stokes’ bowling.
Virat Kohli was visibly dejected after the match, and asked for more application from his batsmen. He said that the top order needed to learn from the lower order who applied themselves brilliantly in both innings.
“It was a great game of cricket. Glad to be a part of such an exciting Test match; there were a couple of moments when we came back. A team like England is relentless, they made us work very hard for our runs. Our shot selection could have been better. We definitely need to apply ourselves better with the bat, but England came back superbly and we need to take the positives and move forward.” Kohli said.
“There is a lot to learn from the lower order in the first innings, Ishant and Umesh got stuck in the middle. There is no hiding from this game; we need to be positive, relentless. From the team’s point of view, my innings in the first innings is right up there, perhaps second after the knock in Adelaide.
“Had we won it would have been the best. We need to think how to regroup and get back for the next match. Test cricket is my favourite format, there is nothing better than testing yourselves over five days and I hope the fans like it too.” he added.
India now have a fight on their hands as they’ll first need to discuss about the team combination and how they can get the batsmen out of their shells.
