Being on the brink of defeat, India opener Virender Sehwag believes that only a miracle will help India escape defeat in the third Test here on Sunday. Speaking to reporters after the fourth day’s play, the senior India batsman, however, expressed disappointment for the home team losing six wickets in one session.
The following are the excerpts of Sehwag’s comments.
On losing six wickets in a session
Yes we are very disappointed. The wicket was not that bad that we lost six wickets in a session. But we have to work hard to bounce back in the next game. We can just hope that something happens tomorrow and we’re able to draw the Test. Only God can help us.
On Ashwin’s defiant batting
It’s not an embarrassment for the top order. He is also a part of our team and he knows how to score runs. He is utilising all his abilities. He is a good player. If you apply yourself on this wicket, it is not that difficult to score runs. It’s Test cricket and you have to show some patience.
On whether India is not coping well with the exits of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman
When Pujara scored a double century and a hundred, he was touted as a replacement for Dravid. It’s a transition period for us. They will bounce back and score runs. In this series, we have not put runs on the board, especially in the last two Tests. The moment we put 500-plus, it’s going to be a different ballgame.
On England’s batting
Their batsmen showed more patience than ours. They batted really well. Full credit must be given to the way Cook and the others batted.
On India’s bowling performance
Our bowlers tried everything from bowling quick to slow, they bowled flighted, they bowled flat but England’s batting made the difference. They were hitting the loose balls.