Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, India vs England 2021 Headingley
England vs India, 2021, Headingley. (Photo: Twitter)

Indian skipper Virat Kohli acknowledged that the England team played much better than them while also pointing out that a collapse is around the corner at most times in conditions like England. India faltered from 237/3 to 278 all-out to hand England an innings win in the Headingley Test.

The Men in Blue put up a great fightback on Day 3 to push the game to the next day. They were always behind the eightball after a horrendous first day but they stayed in the game owing to some resilient batting. The joy was short-lived, however, as the team crumbled once the new ball was taken by the hosts.

Ollie Robinson, England
Ollie Robinson after picking up his second five-wicket haul. (Image: Twitter)

After losing Cheteshwar Pujara early on without adding to their overnight score, India pushed on before Kohli’s wicket triggered a mighty collapse. At the post-match presentation, Kohli asserted that these types of collapses are common in tough batting conditions like England.

Basically down to the scoreboard pressure. We knew we would be up against when we got bowled out for less than 80 in the first innings. But I think we did really well to stay in it, we got a few good partnerships and managed to hang on.

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.
Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara showed resistance on Day 3. (Credits: BCCI)

But credit to England, their bowlers got to us today and we just couldn’t show resistance. Collapses like these happen in England, comes down to bad decision from our batsmen and good bowling from the opposition,” Kohli said.

“Depends on the pitch at the Oval” – Virat Kohli on possible playing XI for the 4th Test

The raging debate on the possible combinations for the playing XI has gained traction after India’s innings defeat at Headingley. Plenty of people have vouched for the return of Ravichandran Ashwin, but Virat Kohli decided to play it close to the chest for now.

Read More  Tim David angry with Hardik Pandya? Australian all-rounder's ballistic missiles go viral after Mumbai's loss to SRH
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin might get a chance in the next Test. (Image Credit: Twitter)

Depends on the pitch at The Oval, our decision for the team depends on that. I think this template of having four seamers works well for us.

Very confident that our team can bounce back in the next game, we’ve done it in the past. We’ll take a lot of pride in trying to correct the errors we made in this game,” Kohli concluded.

Following England’s innings and 76-run victory, the series is now level at 1-1, with two more Tests to go.

Also Read – “I Don’t Regret My Decision” – Virat Kohli On Opting To Bat After Winning Toss At Headingley