#IndiaInAustralia: Collectively we were the better team, says Kohli
The Indian cricket team beat hosts Australia in the first Test in Adelaide to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. India had set a target of 323 runs for the Aussies, who folded for 291 runs. Post the victory, Indian captain Virat Kohli said that his team deserved the victory. Here is what Kohli had to say.
Two contrasting scenes!
Indian bowlers were top notch in Adelaide
The visitors' bowling unit stepped up yet again and managed to take 20 wickets. The Indian bowlers showed patience on Day 5 against a solid Australian tail. Aussies threatened to get something out and were going close, but India kept picking wickets at regular intervals. India took a 1-0 lead in the 4-match Test series. And that left Kohli satisfied.
Kohli heaps praise on bowlers
"Super proud (of the bowlers), to have four bowlers and take 20 wickets is a great achievement. Something that we haven't done in the past," said Kohli in his post-match conference. He added, "Collectively we were the better team and deserved to win". Cheteshwar Pujara, who played two gritty knocks across both innings, was praised by the Indian captain. Pujara amassed 123 and 71.
'Pujara was the difference between India and Australia'
"Cheteshwar Pujara was the difference between India and Australia. Priceless from Pujara, we were down and out at lunch on day 1. His grit and determination brought us back in it," said the 30-year-old Kohli.
We focused only on partnerships in second innings: Kohli
Kohli's side managed 250 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, the visitors got some key partnerships right from the beginning. That made the difference. "We focused only on partnerships in the second innings and the openers performed well. Shows us that if the batsmen step up regularly, we will be gunning for a win in every Test match," Kohli said.
