Have to keep Virat Kohli quiet if we want to win this series: Joe Root

India is up against England in a five-match Test series where it currently stands levelled at 1-1. India won the Test match at Lord’s in the most enthralling manner but the hosts made a roaring comeback at Leeds and took away the victory by an innings and 76 runs. In the latest development, English skipper Joe Root opened up on England’s chances of winning the series and stated, keeping Virat Kohli quiet in that would be the prime thing.

In the series so far, Kohli has crossed the 50-run mark only once and home pacers have been able to get the better of him. Ace pacer James Anderson has dismissed him twice and the pacer has been dominating their famous rivalry so far. Root believes that Kohli is a world-class player and if they have been able to keep him quiet, their bowling unit has to be lauded for it entirely.

“The credit needs to go to our bowling attack, Virat is a world-class player hence the credit needs to be given to the bowling group. We have been able to keep him quiet, it is an extremely good effort from our bowling group and it is something we have to continue if we have to win this series. We have found ways to get him out, he is a fine player and has done tremendous things in Test cricket, we will have to look at ways to get the best players out,” said Root in a virtual press conference.

I expect nothing less than a response from India, says Joe Root

Further, Root also added that England can’t sit quietly after winning the last game because retaliation is sure from India’s end. They aim to work harder from now on and consolidate their unit. The 4^th Test between England and India will kick off from 2^nd September.

“Absolutely world-class side like India led by Virat Kohli, I expect nothing less than a response. We would be naïve to think otherwise, it is important that we do not get deluded. We have gotten to the level playing field, we have to work harder now. If we find ourselves ahead of the game at any stage, we have to consolidate,” he added.