India's bowlers have learnt lesson from drawn second Test: Kohli

St. Lucia, Aug 9 (IANS) India's Test skipper Virat Kohli has said that his bowlers have learnt lessons, taken positives and will aim to not repeat their sloppy show in the final day of the second Test when they take on West Indies in the third cricket Test match.

After a comprehensive victory in the first Test by an innings and 92 runs, India looked favourites to win the second one as well, but an outstanding batting display on the final day by Roston Chase (137 off 269 balls) helped the home side manage a draw and stay alive in the four-match series.

India failed to pick up six wickets on the final day of the second Test which resulted in a draw. But despite the draw in the second Test, the visitors look a better side on paper to grab the series in the third match at the Darren Sammy Stadium here.

"It turned out to be more challenging on day five. We know that we had the upper hand throughout. If we had play on day four we would have probably wrapped up things. The momentum was with us and it is a massive factor in cricket, in all formats, especially in Test cricket and that can only be attained by playing consistent cricket," Kohli said.

"We did that over a period of three days, we got the momentum, we were dominating, but you don't have control over the weather and conditions."

"On day five, it was a very good batting effort by West Indies. They applied themselves very well. But not taking anything away from our bowlers, they tried their best. Very rarely do you see the ball not reversing, not swinging conventionally and the pitch slowing down."

"When these three things come together, and the batsmen are applying themselves, it's very difficult to take wickets. It was a really good test for the bowlers. These situations will come again. We have taken positives and learning from day five and will apply those going forward in these Tests," he added.

With Lokesh Rahul, skipper Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane being in fine touch and striking big runs, there is not much to worry about in batting, and the skipper said that he might stick to Rahul as the opener with Shikhar Dhawan.

"The good thing is all three openers are playing well. The bad thing is that you can only choose two between three. That is a call we need to take as management. We'll sit down today and do that. Getting injured when playing well is not in your hand," Kohli said.

"That's why they say injuries can really upset people and bring them down. The good thing is Vijay has been in a good headspace. He's back to the nets and back to fielding and we will take a call on that," the Delhi-born said.

"Injuries are not in anyone's hands. Even in the IPL, I remember a game where Mandeep Singh was fit and set to play. While I was at the toss he split his webbing, KL got a chance and he hasn't looked back since. We conveyed to Mandeep that unfortunately it was an injury and nothing can be done about that. We need to look at the balance of the side," the 27-year-old said.

--IANS

ac/sam/bg