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Indian skipper Virat Kohli. PTI Photo
India captain Virat Kohli conceded they were 30-35 runs short and credited England for playing better cricket. He also said in the wake of a young T20 side, the seniors will have to shoulder more responsibility.
England took 1-0 lead in the T20 series on the back of a galvanized effort from their bowlers, led by offie Moeen Ali, who took 2/21.
“With the ball, in the field and with the bat, they were precise. Today England performed the way we know they can,” said Kohli.
“We have a young side and it is important for them to enjoy. It’s up to us seniors to take the load off them. Credit to English bowlers, they bowled good hard lengths with extra pace and bounce. We would have liked to execute that as well, but we were about 30-35 runs short on that wicket."
Kohli also said he would be opening the batting till Rohit Sharma returns from injury. “Me opening the batting gives more balance to the team. Raina can come in at No 3 where he is more dangerous. Till Rohit isn’t there, I will any day step up and open the batting. I had no urge to open. I can play anywhere the management thinks can lend more balance to the line-up.”
Captain Eoin Morgan, who hit a sparkling 51, was full of praise for his bowlers, saying they made it hard for Indian batsmen.
“Our bowlers were outstanding tonight, Moeen Ali in particular showed great resolve. We showed a lot of experience, and Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan put their hands up in very important roles. They made it very hard for the Indian batsmen on a small ground. Sam Billings and Jason Roy did outstandingly well."
England took 1-0 lead in the T20 series on the back of a galvanized effort from their bowlers, led by offie Moeen Ali, who took 2/21.
“With the ball, in the field and with the bat, they were precise. Today England performed the way we know they can,” said Kohli.
“We have a young side and it is important for them to enjoy. It’s up to us seniors to take the load off them. Credit to English bowlers, they bowled good hard lengths with extra pace and bounce. We would have liked to execute that as well, but we were about 30-35 runs short on that wicket."
Kohli also said he would be opening the batting till Rohit Sharma returns from injury. “Me opening the batting gives more balance to the team. Raina can come in at No 3 where he is more dangerous. Till Rohit isn’t there, I will any day step up and open the batting. I had no urge to open. I can play anywhere the management thinks can lend more balance to the line-up.”
Captain Eoin Morgan, who hit a sparkling 51, was full of praise for his bowlers, saying they made it hard for Indian batsmen.
“Our bowlers were outstanding tonight, Moeen Ali in particular showed great resolve. We showed a lot of experience, and Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan put their hands up in very important roles. They made it very hard for the Indian batsmen on a small ground. Sam Billings and Jason Roy did outstandingly well."
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