Virat Kohli lauds West Indies’ gutsy effort on final day

India skipper Virat Kohli leads the team back after the West Indies managed to stave off defeat in the second Test at Kingston in Jamaica. (Photo: AP)

Starting the day at 48/4, the West Indies managed to bat the entire fifth day to deny India a 2-0 lead in the 4-match Test series.

India skipper Virat Kohli said he could only doff his hat to the West Indies batsmen, who produced a special batting display to save the second Test, in Kingston Wednesday.

“It was testing day. That’s what Test cricket is all about. Pity we lost most of yesterday (due to rain). That’s no excuse, credit to the way the West Indies played today.

“When you lose a Test and behind in the second, it takes something special to save the match,” Kohli said at the post match presentation ceremony.

The India captain said his bowlers were not found wanting as they gave their all in dismissing the rival players.

“Our bowlers tried their best, we created some chances, but they didn’t go to hand. The first four days the wicket was very active. The hardness of the ball was a factor.

“On these pitches when the ball is not hard enough, play goes dead for 25-30 overs. Pretty pleased with the effort the boys put in. After tea as well. Everybody put in a last push.

“We don’t want to walk away from the field wishing we had the fifth bowler. If five bowlers have given their best, and the opposition have done well, you just doff your hat to them,” he said.

Home skipper Jason Holder had a huge grin and relief on his face after “outstanding” batting effort by his team.

“Definitely there is improvement from the last Test. We asked the guys to show fight. We got a really good partnership between Blackwood and Roston. After that Dowrich came in and showed the character we asked for,” Holder said.

“It was about taking it ball by ball. It was just about showing character. Putting my hands up. Wickets were hard to come by,” he added.