Kohli’s heroics go in vain as England beat India in Edgbaston test
England defeated Team India by 31 runs in the exciting Test match played at Edgbaston, Birmingham. At the same time, the hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. Batting first, winning the toss, the England team made 287 runs in their first innings.
In reply, Team India got 274 runs in their first innings courtesy Virat Kohli’s 149. In this way, England got a 13-run lead in the first innings. In the second innings, England scored 180 runs, after which Team India got a target of 194 runs. Chasing target, team India could manage only 162 runs and England by 31 runs.
Murali Vijay (6) and Shikhar Dhawan (13) failed to give a good start to the team again. Stuart Broad (two for 29 runs) sent the openers to pavilion within eight overs. Vijay, who was initially given life was out lbw five runs later, while Dhawan played a loose shot and got caught behind the wicket.
KL Rahul (13) was looked uncomfortable against out-swingers from the start. He gave an easy catch to Jonny Bairstow. Ajinkya Rahane (2) too didn’t last long.
Kohli held one end in the first innings but this time the batting order was changed and Ashwin (13) was sent to bat at number six. He hit three boundaries but got out to a peach from James Anderson. Wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik then teamed up with Virat Kohli to ensure the vistors didn’t lose another wicket on Day 3.
Going into the 4th day it was always about Virat Kohli vs the English bowlers. Playing a captain’s knock Kohli stood like a rock while wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Alas, he was done in by an inswinger from Ben Stokes on 51. That proved to be the final nail in the coffin as the retailers had more than 50 runs to chase when the captain departed. Hardik Pandya played a few shots to egde India close to the total but it proved to be too much for the rest of the batsmen as Stokes picked up 4 wickets to give England a 1-0 lead.
