ENG vs IND: We Did Not Bat That Well In Our Second Innings: Rahul Dravid After India's Loss In The Fifth Test
India had stretched their lead over England to 257 with seven wickets remaining before Day 4 of the Edgbaston Test began, and no one could have predicted an England comeback. India was the favourite to win.
The rescheduled fifth Test was ultimately won by England by seven wickets after Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow played unbeaten knocks of 142 and 114, respectively, as England chased down 378 after India was dismissed for 245 on the fourth day due to poor batting performance. As a result, the series that started last year ended with a 2-2 tie.
On Day 5, Root and Bairstow quickly wrapped up the game, clearly displaying the “Baz-Ball” style of cricket. Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Team India, spoke during a press conference after the game to discuss the loss.
We Did Not Bowl Well And Credit To England Batters For Playing Well: Rahul Dravid
“I would say that we controlled the game on three days but maybe, we did not bat that well in the second innings, and in our bowling, we were not able to sustain that intensity and we must give credit to England for the way they played.
“Root and Bairstow formed a brilliant partnership, we got 2-3 chances but were not able to capitalise. But you need to applaud the opponent,” said Dravid.
“Obviously, it has been disappointing for us. We had a couple of opportunities in South Africa as well, here as well, I just think it is something we need to look that and need work upon.
Talking about the batting, he said, “We have not batted well as well, but if you look at all the second innings of Test matches overseas this year, the batting has probably been not up to scratch as well so in both areas, we have started the Test well but have not been able to finish well and yeah, we need to get better with that and certainly improve.”
On England’s performance he said, “Look, I think England played really well. I must admit I did not get to watch much of the England-New Zealand series, we saw parts of it when we were doing our planning and preparation.
“But, they played well, to chase down the kind of totals they have in all those four Test matches, has been exceptional. They have a couple of batters who are probably in the best form of their lives, they are playing exceptional cricket. I think they are playing really good cricket at the moment, hats off to them.”
This was India’s third straight loss defending a target in an overseas Test.
