Biggest positive is the way the fast bowlers bowled and Jayant Yadav: Virat Kohli

After being held for an exciting draw in the opening game at Rajkot, India looked in their old rhythm at Vizag as they went up 1-0 in the five-match series after securing a mammoth 246 run win. Indian needed eight wickets to win and completed the task three overs after the lunch session.

The spin attack lead by Ravichandran Ashwin triggered the collapse for English side today, who after resuming to bat at their overnight score of 87/2, were wrapped up for just 158. Ashwin grabbed 3/52, Ravindra Jadeja took 2/35 while Jayant Yadav finished with 3/30. Fast bowler Mohammad Shami also made hs presence felt and registered figures of 2/30.

Skipper Virat Kohli who hit 167 in the first innings was declared the ‘Man of the Match.’ Kohli, first of all, thanked the crowd, who came in masses to witness the game for their support. Vizag has been a very lucky ground for him and the Kohli acknowledged that fact while speaking. The skipper also showered praises for debutant Jayant Yadav.

Virat Kohli said: “It’s been a lucky ground for me. Every innings I’ve scored here. I get a good feel coming here, similar to Adelaide. The atmosphere in the stadium is such that you want to play exciting cricket. We wanted to make sure we bat deep in the first innings, get 450+ and that’s exactly what we did. From there on the bowlers are on top. That’s what we did in Rajkot, scoreboard pressure counts in Test cricket. It was tough in the second innings.”

“Biggest positive is the way the fast bowlers bowled and Jayant Yadav. Picked one wicket in the first innings, three in the second. Brilliant with the bat, showed great character. I’m very happy with the start he’s had.”

“For a young man to come in and have the vision to take wickets and to tell you about the fields and the lines to bowl the batsman out. Even the revs on the ball and the speed he bowled with. I knew the batsmen were uncomfortable against him.”

“It’s lovely to have all 5 bowlers who can give you wickets at crucial stages. We’re playing some really good cricket. Don’t want to be complacent. We respect the team England is. They’re going to play quality cricket in Mohali. Need to strike the right balance of not getting too desperate and not getting complacent either.”

English skipper Cook also assed the match and speak about the positives and the negatives from the match.Cook said: “We knew going into the last day, 9 wickets, obviously disappointing to get out right at the end. The first day was the easiest to bat. It became harder after that. India is where you have to score first innings runs. After losing those 5 wickets, we showed a lot of character and fight. We set out store in the fourth innings which means the margin of victory is greater but we showed fight. We go to Mohali. It’s hard. We’ve played some good cricket at various stages. Only takes a couple of games to get back in the series. We’ve lost this game but we hold our heads high. We appreciate all the support here”

Jayant Yadav said: “To be bowling in tandem with Ashwin is great. He takes the pressure off and you can express yourself in the best way possible. Never questions what you are doing and tells you in a positive way about what can be done better. I am really glad that I did [well]. There were nerves on the first day. You just think about the next ball, while batting and bowling. On this wicket, you look to hit the wicket and be consistent, because the ball was misbehaving. And then varying my pace.”