Rahane: As a batting group, we need to support our bowlers

Ajinkya Rahane admitted that the Indian batting group has failed collectively but the India vice-captain is hopeful the visitors will stage a comeback.

Published : Sep 06, 2018 21:38 IST

Ajinkya Rahane stretches during a practice session.
Ajinkya Rahane stretches during a practice session.
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Ajinkya Rahane stretches during a practice session.

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has admitted his disappointment at the failure of India's batsmen to support their bowlers in the ongoing tour of England.

"We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as a batting group could not support them when we are an experienced group," he said ahead of the fifth Test at the Oval.

"We as a batting group fell short. When you are on tour, you work so hard and prepare so well and then one department performs well, then it is responsibility of the other group to back them."

Virat Kohli, though, has been an exception, scoring 544 runs in the four Tests.

"The way he conducted himself, the consistency he showed was amazing," he said.

"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."

Rahane, who has scored 220 runs with two half-centuries, was happy with his own form, but felt he could do more.

"The way I am batting I am really confident. I didn’t get many runs but I got a fifty and an eighty in the last two matches. I am middling the ball really well. I would like to contribute a little more to my team," he said.

The difference between the sides was that England had won crucial passages of play, Rahane added. "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 and stage a comeback. But when you are abroad then you have to give 100% in each and every session. When you are in a commanding position, you need to capture that situation. England did that so well."

"When they were in tough situations, the contributions of their numbers 7, 8 and 9 was so vital. Even though we were batting so well they persisted with patience. That is why they are up 3-1."

India wanted to go back home with the score-line 3-2, Rahane stated.

“This is the last Test but whenever you are playing for your country, it is important. If we can win this Test and go back 3-2, then that will be really good.”

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