India ‘should be better’, says skipper Kohli

VIRAT KOHLI said India should be “better than that” after an innings and 159-run hammering by England in the second Test at Lord’s yesterday. The heaviest defeat of Kohli’s reign as India captain was completed after tea on the fourth day, with his side now 2-0 down in a five-match series. Yet in a fixture marred by rain – Thursday’s first day was completely washed out – India were effectively defeated inside two standard days’ playing time.

Their batsmen were left helpless as Joe Root’s attack, led by spearhead James Anderson, made the most of the overcast and typically English swing-friendly conditions, with India dismissed for just 107 and 130.

Significantly, India’s two innings were completed in 82.2 overs, while England

batted just the once while making 396 for seven declared in 88.1 overs.

“It’s our job and our duty to play for the country, and we should be better than that,” insisted Kohli.

“Unless you accept that, you can’t improve and compete. We have to accept what we did wrong – mistakes have been made – and not repeat them again.”

He added: “Credit has to go to England who were clinical with the bat, ball and in the field. They deserved to win and we deserved to lose.” JOE ROOT said James Anderson was a “special commodity” who should be enjoyed for as long as possible after England’s leading all-time Test wicket-taker showed his class yet again in an innings and 159-run hammering of India at Lord’s.

The 36-year-old Lancashire swing special-