‘You go after one of our guys, all 11 of us will come right back’ – KL Rahul on the heated exchanges during Lord’s Test

Indian batter KL Rahul said that his teammates won’t die wondering after being sledged on the field. Apart from the jaw-dropping cricket, the Lord’s Test between India and England was a witness to some heated exchanges between players from the two teams.

After Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell to James Anderson where he hurled a barrage of bouncers at the batter, things became animated. Later the England bowlers tried to give Bumrah a taste of his own medicine when the latter came out to bat.

Rahul, who got the Player of the Match award, was clear cut in saying if hosts would go after one of the Indian players, the entire eleven would hit back. Rahul put forth his opinions during the post-match presentation ceremony.

The bowlers were really pumped, says KL Rahul

“That’s what you expect with two competitive teams, you know, you are always going to see great skills, a lot of heart and a few words as well. That only shows how much both teams want to win. We don’t mind a little bit of banter. And, you go after one of our guys, all 11 of us will come right back at them,” Rahul said.

“That just got us going and the bowlers were really pumped and wanted to go out there and have a real crack at them. Really happy with the performance they have put in this game,” he stated.

Rahul also added humour on his knock and subsequently having his name on the Honour’s Board. He failed in the second innings, but his 129-run knock in the first innings laid the platform for an Indian win at the Home of Cricket.

“I’ve been looking at it every morning to see if they’ve put it down permanently. They haven’t – it’s still a temporary piece of paper. But yeah, really proud moment, and I’m really happy that this hundred could result in a victory for India,” Rahul added.

Defending 272 on Day five, India bowled their opposition out for 120 in a mere 51.5 overs. Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj combined to restrict the Three Lions’ batters.

The third Test is scheduled to get underway on August 25 at Headingly in Leeds.