INDIA TOUR OF ENGLAND, 2018

Kohli rates Edgbaston knock second to Adelaide

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Virat Kohli scored a wonderful 149 to keep India in the game in the first Test at Edgbaston against England © Getty

India were up against it on Day 2 of the first Test at Edgbaston on Thursday(August 2) but a scintillating ton from their skipper - Virat Kohli - saved the day for them. From 100 for 5 to 169 for 7 and then ending with 274, Kohli shepherded the tail and led a brilliant counter attack to script a recovery for India.

Speaking about his knock, Kohli said being unaware of what is being said or written about him and remaining in that cocoon helps him prepare better for the challenges. "I've mentioned these things in the pressers that I don't see or read what people write about me. People think that I'm lying, but I genuinely have no idea what people are saying. I try to prepare the best way possible that I can and help my team as much as possible," he told BCCI.tv.

Kohli was the last batsman to be dismissed, getting out for 149, which meant that India fell 13 short of England's first-innings total. While he was disappointed at not being able to help India get the lead, Kohli was happy that India could bag the wicket of Alastair Cook late in the day. "It wasn't only about getting to the three-figure mark, but also to capitalize on the hundred. I was very disappointed when I got out because I thought we could've taken a 10-15 run lead. But, in hindsight, we wouldn't have been able to bowl then. So, I'd just accept what God's bestowed upon me."

One of the highlights of the second day's play was Kohli's engrossing battle with James Anderson, his chief tormentor during India's 2014 tour to England. The experienced pacer troubled Kohli again, and even had him edge to the slip cordon a couple of times only to be put down. Kohli, though, managed to overcome the tough period to register his maiden Test hundred in England.

"It was difficult, but I told myself that it was important to enjoy this moment and consider a challenge to take the team far and the innings deep. It was a test of physical and mental strength and I'm glad that we could come close to their total and we're pretty much in the game. When you help the team that way, it obviously feels great," said Kohli, who praised the lower order batsmen sticking with him.

"I have to laud the tail as well. Hardik batted really well after we were five wickets down. Then, the way Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav applied themselves, I think it was an outstanding effort from them and I have to give a lot of credit to them for getting us this close. They stuck in there, supported me really well and I'm very proud of both of them and happy with the effort," he said.

Asked to rate this knock, Kohli put it second on the perch behind his second innings effort at Adelaide in late 2014 where he scored 141 and almost pulled off a chase of 364.

"I'm not too sure, but this could come in second to Adelaide. It (Adelaide) still remains very special to me, because it was the second innings and we were chasing a target, wherein I had total clarity that we are going for the target. Not once did I think otherwise. That was a beautiful zone to be in, but today I'm very happy and grateful for having this opportunity to help the team this way and pull us back in the Test and compete. That's what we're here to do. We're here to compete. We're here to fight and we will continue doing that," Kohli concluded.

© Cricbuzz

TAGS

RELATED STORIES