During the pre-match press conference on Thursday, India’s deputy skipper Ajinkya Rahane came out with the fact that the much-vaunted batting line-up’s failure has led to the series defeat as the batsmen have failed to give an apt support to the hard work of the bowlers against England. Barring in the 2nd innings of the Nottingham Test, in all the innings of the series so far, the Indian team was bowled out by the English bowlers.
Addressing the same, Rahane said, “Patience is the key in England, whether you bat or bowl. Maybe as a batsman, you have to leave the ball for a longer period of time. We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as batting group could not support them when we are an experienced group. I think we as batting group fell short. When you are on tour you work so hard and prepare so well and then one department performs well then it is the responsibility of other group to back them.”
Talking about his batting, Jinx said that he has been among the runs in the last two Tests as he is getting confidence while middling the ball. However, he is looking to contribute a little more to the team.
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Rahane said that Team India is in no mood of throwing the towel and they wish to finish the grueling tour on the winning note. He said, “Definitely it is an important Test match. The series stands at 3-1 and we want to give our best and finish on a winning note. In Test cricket, you have to give more than 100 percent in each and every session. I felt England particularly won small and important sessions. Their bowling unit bowled really well. This is going to be the last test. We are focused on performing well in this last test and if we can win this test and go back 3-2 then that will be really good.”
Praising England for their efforts in the series so far, he said, “Every team plays really well at home nowadays. England has played better cricket than us, especially in their bowling and batsmen in both teams have struggled a lot. Only Virat (Kohli) has batted really well in these conditions. Moeen (Ali) bowled really well in the last game. They can do really well abroad as well but at home, every team is really strong.”
India could make a couple changes for this game, with Ravindra Jadeja lining up to replace R Ashwin, who is recovering from a hip injury, and Hanuma Vihari in line for a debut Test. Taking about the same, Jinx said that team physio is more aware of Ashwin’s fitness than him and Vihari’s inclusion is still not confirmed as the skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri are yet to finalize the team combination.
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This will be Alastair Cook’s last international match for England and the Indian vice-captain paid him a rich tribute. He said, “He made his debut against India in India. As an opening batsman, he has averaged around 45, playing 160 Test matches in 12-13 years is great. Credit to him the way he has handled his batting, his technique and all the pressure from English media. But he has been fantastic and I would like to wish him all the best for his post-cricketing career ahead.”
