'Batting unit has let us down badly'

Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday confessed the batsmen, barring Virat Kohli, have let the team down against England and felt they should learn from the skipper’s commitment towards excellence.

“We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as batting group could not support them when we are an experienced group. I think we as a batting group failed short. When you are on tour you work so hard and prepare so well and then one department performs well then it is the responsibility of the other group to back them,” said Rahane.

“Talking about Virat's batting, the way he conducted himself and consistency he showed was amazing. Many people were saying many things about him whether he will be able to score runs in England. But Virat concentrated on his cricket and that is what we learn from him. As a team-mate and as a captain we learned a lot from him.”

Rahane felt the main reason why India are on the wrong side of the result is because they’ve not been able to dominate sessions. “While playing in India you know the conditions. Even if you do something wrong in one session you get a chance to correct it in the next session and stage a comeback. When you are touring then you have to give 100 percent in each and every session. How well you can play in tough situations and capitalise on and capture that situation.

“I think England did that so well. When they were in tough situations their number 7-8-9s contribution was so vital. Even though we were batting so well they persisted with patience. I think that is why they are up 3-1. Patience is the key in England, whether you bat or bowl. You got to bowl in the same areas for a longer period of time. Maybe as a batsman, you have to leave the ball for a longer period of time. I don’t think we did any wrong. They were just better than us.”

Rahane said the team is determined to sign off a disappointing series on a high. “It is an important Test match. The series stands at 3-1 and we want to give our best and finish on a winning note. Especially I feel we played some good cricket but England played better than us. Important Test match coming up and we will give our best.”