England v India: India won't take a backward step when provoked, says Virat Kohli
Thanks to a remarkable fightback on the final day, India won an often ill-tempered game at Lord's by 151 runs. This team is not going to back down," said Kohli."What's said on the field and what's done at the moment gives you extra motivation."
Kohli did not reveal what provoked him or his players, but several confrontations during a thrilling match went into the final hour.
On the third evening, India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah targeted England number 11 James Anderson with a series of bouncers. England responded to Bumrah and fellow tailender Mohammed Shami similarly on the fifth morning during a spell that arguably cost them the match.
Kohli was also involved in a verbal exchange with Jos Buttler as England were bowled out for 120 on the final day, failing to bat out two sessions to secure a draw." The details don't need to be discussed," said Kohli, whose side lead 1-0 in the five-match series.
"It happens at the moment. It's how you get up from that situation; that's what matters."Bumrah bowled four no-balls in an over to Anderson in the first innings, hitting him on the helmet with one of several bouncers.
"I felt like he wasn't trying to get me out. I've not felt this ever in my career," Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker
"They are a passionate side. They use emotion differently from how we use it. The channel it well - we saw that on the last day."
England recalled batter Dawid Malan for Headingley - an opportunity he did not expect after playing the most recent of his 15 Tests in 2018.
He is set to bat at number three, with Haseeb Hameed - who returned to the team in that spot at Lord's - likely to open after Dom Sibley was dropped.
"Realistically, did I think it would happen? Probably not," said 33-year-old Malan, who averages 27.84 and has one century - against Australia in Perth - and six fifties from 26 Test innings."Sometimes you say the right things but don't believe it will happen.
"When you come back, you're hungry. You want to score runs. You want to prove people wrong. You want to prove yourself wrong, that you can actually play at this level for an extended period of time.
"I know I can play Test cricket. This is a fantastic opportunity, an unbelievable opportunity to get another crack at it."
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