India skipper Virat Kohli praised the West Indies batsmen for putting up a special batting display to save the second Test, here on Wednesday.
Starting the day at 48 for four, West Indies managed to bat the entire fifth day to deny India a 2-0 lead in the series as Roston Chase led the charge with an unbeaten 137.
“It was testing day. That’s what Test cricket is all about. Pity we lost most of yesterday (due to rain). That’s no excuse, credit to the way West Indies played today. When you lose a Test and behind in the second, it takes something special to save the match,” Kohli said at the post match presentation ceremony.
The Indian captain said his bowlers were not found wanting as they gave their all in dismissing the rival players.
“Our bowlers tried their best, we created some chances, but they didn’t go to hand. The first four days the wicket was very active. The hardness of the ball was a factor. On these pitches when the ball is not hard enough, play goes dead for 25-30 overs. Pretty pleased with the effort the boys put in. After tea as well. Everybody put in a last push.
“We don’t want to walk away from the field wishing we had the fifth bowler. If five bowlers have given their best, and the opposition have done well, you just doff your hat to them,” he said.
HOLDER: GREAT IMPROVEMENT FROM THE LAST TEST
Home skipper Jason Holder had a huge grin and relief on his face after “outstanding” batting effort by his team.
“Definitely there is improvement from the last Test. Fully enjoyed this. We asked the guys to show fight. We got a really good partnership between Blackwood and Roston. After that Dowrich came in and showed great character,” Holder said.
“It was about taking it ball by ball. It was just about showing character. Putting my hands up. Wickets were hard to come by. We had to show a lot of patience. Last Test we didn’t do that and leaked boundaries. This Test — hot and humid — must have been really hard for all the bowlers.
“Just outstanding batting today. Just asked them to show fight. Show some character. The crowd support — albeit a small one — meant a lot. Just want the guys to keep stressing on patience. Work harder for what we want. Show a bit more fight every time,” he said.
One of the takeaways from this second Test was the manner in which Jermaine Blackwood attacked the Indian bowling in both innings.
"He is an attacking batsman, even in Test cricket and I told him to go play his natural game," Holder added.
CHASE: WE WENT WITH THE MINDSET THAT WERE AT WAR
Man-of-the-match for his all-round show, Chase said it felt nice to contribute in a good result
“It’s great feeling that I could help draw a match for my team after having fallen behind by a long way. The captain asked the players to show some fight. We just went with the mindset that we were at war, and we can’t die today. Last night myself and Dowrich had a conversation if one of us gets a hundred, we will be safe.”
He was categorical in saying that, “My aim is to be equally good in both batting and bowling, but I prefer batting more.”
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