On Wednesday, when England won the fifth Test by seven wickets, the Indian media lambasted their star players, labelling the bowlers too wayward and challenging Virat Kohli’s status in the squad.
Once in command, India lost when they were bowled out for 245, giving England a record target of 378 runs to chase down.
England easily reached their best Test run-chase at Edgbaston with two sessions to spare, owing to brilliant performances from Joe Root (142 not out) and Jonny Bairstow (114 not out).
Early strikes on Tuesday may have flipped the tide in India’s favour, as England needed 119 runs to win.
“But the visitors were just too flat, and their bowlers too wayward,” observed the Times of India.
The 33-year-old Kohli, the team’s former captain, has been struggling to restore his form. The Hindu newspaper said that it was high time for India to address this obvious problem.
“Their next Test is in December, but can Kohli do what a Cheteshwar Pujara did and play enough first-class cricket in the meanwhile to restore his touch and form?”, Times of India asked.
The Indian newspapers proclaimed the English Batters were “magnificent” throughout the game.
“Joe Root’s century must rate as one of the finest, full of elegance and strength. With Jonny Bairstow playing so well, they deserved the victory.”
India were led by seamer Jasprit Bumrah in the Test for the first time in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who tested positive for Covid-19.
