The nine-month wait for the re-scheduled fifth Test between India and England was all worth it. English batters continued their juggernaut of steam-rolling past opposition bowlers, as they handed the visitors a bitter seven-wicket loss.
There was no shortage of drama in the final Test, however the verbal tussle between Virat Kohli and Jonny Bairstow certainly tops the charts.
In the early moments of Day 3, Kohli and Bairstow were evidently having a poke at each other, which culminated into a heated battle.
This exchange lifted the spirits of the English batter who completely demolished the Indian bowling attack in both innings of the Test. Jonny Bairstow scored twin tons, and registered his sixth century in eight Test matches.
Former English cricketer David Lloyd acknowledged Virat Kohli’s gesture after the end of the Edgbaston Test. The Indian batter was seen congratulating Root and Bairstow for their magnificent fourth-wicket partnership.
“I thought the on-field scenes at the conclusion of the game were glorious, with India’s players congratulating Root and Jonny Bairstow and recognizing the epic job they had done,” David Lloyd wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“Special mention for Virat Kohli who at times plays the pantomime villain, but who had a special word with both players. I like that,” he added.
“Take up cage fighting and have a proper go,” David Lloyd’s gives a blunt advice
David Lloyd pointed out that sledging and banter are all part and the parcel of the game. However, the Englishman believes that a clear boundary has to be defined in terms of the on-field spats. “Having said that, I do wonder where the line is and who draws it. Sportsmanship, banter, boorish behaviour, insults, abuse – we saw everything on day four,” Lloyd continued.
David Lloyd also added that if a player wants to take the game to the opposition, then they should really give it their all within confined boundaries.
“Cricket is a non-contact sport, but if a player feels the need to engage another, my advice is: take up cage fighting and have a proper go. Let’s see what you’re really made of,” he added.