Rahane blames failure of 'experienced Indian batting' for series loss

Despite having lost the series 1-3 to England, Rahane believes that the World’s number one Test team will wrap the series up on a winning note

Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian vice-captain in Tests, opened up on the faulty Indian batting in the ongoing series on Thursday. India were repeatedly bowled out during the Test series as England grabbed an unassailable 3-1 lead with the fifth and final Test starting here at the Oval on Friday.

Blaming the batsmen for this huge setback, Rahane said, “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.”

“We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as a batting group could not support them when we are experienced. I think we as 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 the responsibility of another group to back them," he added.

Rahane went on to speak about his own performance with the bat. He said, “I didn't get many runs but I got 50-odd and 80-odd in the last two matches. The way I am batting, I am middling the ball really well. Batting is all about confidence. I would like to contribute a little more to my team.”

“During this last match I will definitely give my best and I have prepared myself really well. Preparation from beginning till now is similar, whether you are 3-1 down or up. I am just going to enjoy my batting," he added.

Despite having lost the series 1-3 to England, Rahane believes that the World’s number one Test team will wrap the series up on a winning note.

“Definitely 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 since I feel we played some good cricket but England played better than us,” said Rahane. 

“In Test cricket, you have to give more than 100 per cent in each and every session. I felt England particularly won small and important sessions. Their bowling unit bowled really well. This is going to be the last test. We are focused on performing well in this last test and if we can win this test and go back 3-2 then that will be really good,” he added.