Following England’s decisive nine-wicket victory in Bristol on Thursday to seal the Twenty20 International series, a regretful India captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged that his team had once again completely failed in execution in every area.
Iyer led India to 158/7 with an unbeaten 80 from 49 balls, but England easily overhauled the target in just 13.5 overs.
“Again it was a disappointing one. 158 wasn’t the perfect total on the board. Eventually we saw how quickly they chased it down. When we came onto bowl I just asked the bowlers to repeat the lengths as much as possible. Top of middle and leg was difficult to score off. We fell short on our execution,” PTI quoted Iyer as saying after the match.
Although Iyer was pleased with his effort, he felt it didn’t matter because it didn’t come in a winning cause.
“Definitely happy with my performance, but see, if it’s not on the winning cause, it just goes to the side. So disappointed on that aspect because whenever I play, I want to perform and see to it that my team wins. But unfortunately, today wasn’t that day. Definitely look forward in the next game,” Iyer added.
Additionally, Iyer characterized the current Indian team as one in transition, stating that the players would adjust and learn from their mistakes.
“This is a transition phase and we will be making mistakes. We have to realise how important it is to adapt. I’m sure there are quick-learners in the team and they will assess themselves.”
Harry Brook, the captain of England, attributed the team’s complete triumph over India to the players’ and coaches’ excellent communication as well as their capacity to adjust to changing conditions.
“That was good fun tonight. Always good to beat India. To beat them 3-0 with one game to go… very happy. Two things stand out for sure – the way we’ve adapted to the surface and the communication from the coaches to the players and vice-versa. These two things have stood out,” Brook said.
Additionally, he commended pacers Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer for setting up the win with yet another sharp spell.
“Jofra and Tongue again, like a house on fire. Will be pretty cool to be world No.1 – definitely an aim for us. Felt good (with the bat).”
England would dethrone world champions India from the top spot in the T20I rankings with a series sweep in Southampton on Saturday.
