Thank You to Virat Kohli, thank you to India for pushing Test cricket – Shane Warne

Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne has praised India for playing exceptional cricket in the Test series against England. The players and fans were “robbed” of an exciting finish after the fifth Test between India and England at the Old Trafford in Manchester had to be called off after the outbreak of Covid-19 cases within the Indian camp.

The England team have won 12 out of their last 15 Tests at Manchester since 2002. Warne also stated that India were the better side in the series. While India won the second and fourth Test, England came back strongly in the third Test of the series.

“I feel for the players. Both sides were up for it and I can tell that by the way the series has been played. India left the series 2-1. Being the No. 1 Test side was their goal. They wanted to beat England in England… in swinging and seaming conditions with the Dukes ball. So, they sort of felt like they ticked every box,” Warne told Sky Cricket.

Earlier, India made a strong comeback in Australia as well. They won the series 2-1 despite injuries to key players during the tour. Warne lauded India for setting new benchmarks in Test format.

“I saw India first-hand this year in Australia play some amazing Test cricket. They got bowled out for 36 in the first Test and they came back and won the next. Virat Kohli went home, they lost their captain, they had injuries.

“Australia hadn’t lost a Test match in Brisbane for 40 years. They chased over 300 to win. I just saw it first-hand how determined they were. I think all of us have to say Thank You to Virat Kohli, thank you to India for pushing Test cricket,” he added.