Virat Kohli blames "sticky wicket" for second T20I loss to Australia

Virat Kohli blames "sticky wicket" for second T20I loss to Australia

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Virat Kohli has stated that the wicket at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati held up a bit in the evening which didn't allow the Indian batsmen to open their arms in the second T20I against Australia. The Indian skipper has also acknowledged Jason Behrendorff's disciplined bowling.

The Guwahati surface had a lot of moisture from the beginning of the match and the even covering of grass allowed the ball to move laterally. The toss was always going to be critical and David Warner, after winning the toss, decided to field first. Jason Behrendorff, with his natural angle, moved the ball away from the right-handed batsman and dismissed Manish Pandey after getting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with two inswingers. Kohli credited the newbie pacer while stating that the nature of the surface worked against the hosts.

"I don't think we were good enough with the bat. The wicket was bit sticking to start with. It was difficult for them as well, but after the dew set in, they got away," said Kohli after the loss against Australia.

"I thought the ball to Rohit was very good. His line and length was very tight. He made us think. Credit to him for hitting the right areas. He definitely had a top class day today," said Kohli.

However, the Indian skipper was not at all worried by the loss and asked the boys to keep the same attitude going.

"But we speak about when the situations are not in our favour is when we have to put 120 percent on the field. It is the attitude that matters most and it is something the team embraces."

Warner didn’t hold Behrendorff back, bowling out all his four overs at the start to inflict as much damage as possible on the Indian team and he reaped dividends by picking four wickets for 21. Quite understandably, Warner was happy with the pacer's performance.

"As I said, you have to bowl well and start well. Jason has got the height and bounce, he comes from Perth and has the right attitude, which is key," Warner said.

The Aussie stand-in skipper also praised Adam Zampa while crediting Henriques' effective batting at the number 3 position.

"Adam Zampa was fantastic as well. Sending Moises Henriques early was something I spoke about. He's been effective with Sunrisers as well, and he came and showed his experience."

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