Aggression, patience key to India’s epic Test win: Muzumdar

Tons of patience mixed with the right amount of aggression was the key to the Indian women’s cricket team’s epic Test win over England, said chief coach Amol Muzumdar as he lauded centurion Yastika Bhatia for her “special knock” and pacer Kranti Gaud for her “controlled line and length.”

Gaud’s seven-wicket match haul and Bhatia’s hundred played a big role in India’s historic 270-run win over England in what was the first-ever women’s Test played on the hallowed turf of Lord’s.

“Yeah, you can say that (it was a perfect game). We batted well, we bowled extremely well and we fielded even better, it was a good game for us,” Muzumdar said during the press-conference.

“I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint one particular thing ... I think we were disciplined in our approach towards our batting. And disciplined in our bowling as well, sticking to the basics of cricket. “While bowling, as I said, good line and length, controlled line and length. Aggression mixed with patience. So I think that was a key factor for this win.” Bhatia’s 113 off 158 in the second innings helped India set England a mammoth 457-run target. The hosts could manage just 186 in 62.5 overs. “I think it was a special knock. Needless to say, coming at Lord’s has to be a brilliant one. One which she and all the team members would remember,” Muzumdar said.

“Not just that, I was really impressed with the way she has come out of the injuries. Last couple of years, she has been tormented with some major injuries.

“And the way she has defied all those things and stayed true to the game. Also, her shot selection was superb, I felt. And she paced her innings really well. So I guess it was a lovely knock to watch from outside.” Gaud emerged as the Player of the match after snapping 5/37 and 2/54 in the two innings.