ENGLAND skipper Alastair Cook today (November 13) defended his decision of not declaring his team’s innings earlier in the first Test after India survived the final session and managed a draw.
The tourists waited till the post-lunch session before calling off their second innings on 260-3, leaving India to chase 310 runs off a minimum 49 overs.
The Indians slipped to a precarious 132-6 against some inspired England bowling but skipper Virat Kohli (49 not out) held fort at one end to stave off defeat in the closing session.
“The reason behind it is we didn’t want to give India a sniff,” said Cook, who made 130 in the second innings.
“Batting just to survive is a lot different than chasing 260, 270 – on the same wicket (on which) we were 180 for nought.
“It (the wicket) wasn’t a minefield. The odd ball did a bit. Maybe a braver person would have set them 240, but I thought it was a fair declaration, especially for the first game of the series.”
The teams now head to Visakhapatnam for the second Test beginning on Thursday (17).
The remaining matches of the marathon five-Test series will be played in Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai.
Clive Lloyd
Michael Vaughan