Ahmedabad, India: Skipper Virat Kohli said India were “relieved” to make the inaugural World Test Championship final and would now focus on that “one big game” against New Zealand in June after seeing off England.
India crushed Joe Root’s side inside three days in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad on Saturday to clinch the series 3-1 and finish top of the Test Championship table ahead of New Zealand.
India had led the standings until November, when a change in the points system because of coronavirus disruptions promoted Australia to top spot.
“We are relieved that now we have made it to the final,” Kohli told BCCI TV. “Probably if you look at the last two-and-half years how we have played, we deserve to be in that final. “Now it’s just about getting together as a group again and focusing on that one big game which is quite exciting for all of us.”
New Zealand’s spot in the final was secured when the Test series between South Africa and Australia was postponed last month.
‘Under pressure’
India coach Ravi Shastri questioned the decision of the International Cricket Council to change the points system midway into the Test Championship.
The new method, based on percentage of points instead of total points, left India needing to win the Test series away in Australia and the one at home against England to make the final.
“Please don’t shift the goalposts midstream,” Shastri told reporters when asked about the next World Test Championship, describing the points system change as abrupt. But he added: “I cannot say how proud I am of my Indian cricket team. Going through this tough period and qualifying against all odds when you go from number one to number three.”
Kohli had maintained that the championship race was merely a “distraction” for his team, who did not need any further incentive to win Test matches. India made the final after bouncing back from opening losses in two series — winning 2-1 Down Under and beating England 3-1 at home.
— AFP
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