Explorer

Our hearts and minds are already on Australia series, says skipper Kohli

Hyderabad: India captain Virat Kohli, after a job well done against Bangladesh, said the players' hearts and minds are already on the big series against Australia, beginning with the first Test in Pune on February 23. Kohli said the side wants to build on the good work done so far this season, in the four Test series against Australia. "I thought England was the biggest series for us this season, but having won that 4-0, we want to consolidate on that against Australia. Everyone's minds and hearts are already on it," said Kohli after India completed a 208-run win against Bangladesh in the one-off Test here today. India had to work hard to dismiss the opposition twice with the match ending at stroke of tea on day five. Kohli, who became the first batsman to smash four double hundreds in successive Test series, was especially pleased about the performance of his bowlers on a good batting track. Hyderabad Test: India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs "Definitely, it was a good wicket to bat on, good toss to win, putting massive runs on the board helps. Bangladesh batted well in the first innings, the plan was to get into good habits and we have a big series coming up as well and the bowlers got into their rhythm and all in all a good game for us. "The bowlers found ways to get batsmen out, that's been the characteristic of our team. We didn't get overexcited. Ishant's spell was outstanding, coming with a soft ball, reversing it at pace. If we have two world-class spinners in the side, you can tell the fast bowlers to come in and attack and the partnership between them and the spinners is great. Umesh was a revelation really," said Kohli. On his sensational run, the skipper added: "It's been coming off nicely, last year was something that I didn't expect to happen. I just go into each game with a fresh mind, try to be aggressive, but not over-attack. I'm very comfortable with where my batting is." Bangladesh fought well against the number one Test team but it would have been a different story had they taken their opportunities. "We created a lot of opportunities with the bowling. If we had restricted India to 550 or 600, we could have had a chance. It's quite tough out there in the second innings, India have a lot of options, not only among the spinners but the fast bowlers as well. Hopefully we learn from this and come up with better performance," said captain Mushfiqur Rahim. Overall, he felt there were lots of positives to take out of the game. "I'm really proud of the boys, even the tail-enders showed really good character. Little things are what we need to improve on. Couple of matches coming up in Sri Lanka. Hopefully we capitalise there. We batted more than 100 overs each innings, and Mehedi Hasan batted and bowled well. Taijul (Islam) bowled well. But I think our fielding let us down. If we can compete for five days, we can push the big boys," he added. AH

Top Headlines

Trump Says US Would 'Run' Venezuela And Tap Oil Reserves For Years
Trump Says US Would 'Run' Venezuela And Tap Oil Reserves For Years
Dipu Chandra Das Murder: Bangladesh Police Arrest Another Suspect, Say He Played Key Role
Dipu Chandra Das Murder: Bangladesh Police Arrest Another Suspect, Say He Played Key Role
'Until Mamata Banerjee Arrived With Police…': ED Levels Serious Allegations, Moves High Court
'Until Mamata Banerjee Arrived With Police…': ED Levels Serious Allegations, Moves High Court
What Are The 'Green Files' Mamata Banerjee Rushed To Secure During ED Raid?
What Are The 'Green Files' Mamata Banerjee Rushed To Secure During ED Raid?

Videos

Breaking News: Maharashtra Politics Shifts: Congress Suspensions Boost BJP Ahead of Local Body Polls
Breaking News: Delhi Police Probe Reveals Social Media Role in Turkmen Gate Violence, YouTuber Salman Under Scanner
Breaking News: PM Modi Shares Pictures of Somnath Visit as ‘Somnath Swabhimaan Parv’ Begins
Breaking News: Inside Story of Turkmen Gate Bulldozer Action Near Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in Delhi
Breaking News: India’s GDP Expected to Grow at 7.4% This Fiscal Year, PM Modi Calls It Positive News

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget