At a time when Test cricket is struggling to retain the fans’ interest, England and India played out an absolute classic at Edgbaston. Virat Kohli answered his critics with a breathtaking century. Twenty-year old Sam Curran announced himself in style. Ben Stokes turned it on when his side needed it the most, proving the longest format can still enchant. Here are the players’ reactions at the end of a sensational four days of cricket.
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Joe Root was full of praise for his England side after they held their nerve to win the first Test at Edgbaston
It’s lovely. It’s the favourite format for me. It’s the best format in cricket. We absolutely love playing Test cricket. People watching it as well should love it equally. They understand the game and there’s nothing better than testing yourself over five days against top quality opposition and I’m sure every player playing Test cricket will vouch for that as well.
India’s captain Virat Kohli
Anyone who says it’s dead can just come and watch it on repeat.
England captain Joe Root
I have dreamt of this growing up. Playing Test cricket, in front of these big crowds, with all these players I’ve seen growing up. Stokesy, Jimmy, Broady, I’m just trying to learn a bit every day.
Man of the Match Sam Curran
Who would waste there time watching Test Match Cricket ehh,especially with @CurranSM coming on the scene,what a game for the youngster #gun
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 4, 2018
What a Test match
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) August 4, 2018
#TestCricket – enough said!
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) August 4, 2018
What a test match @edgbaston yet again! Congrats to the boys! Ridiculous win in the end! @englandcricket
— Chris Woakes (@chriswoakes) August 4, 2018
Test cricket Congrats @englandcricket and @root66
— Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) August 4, 2018
You just don’t get atmospheres like this in the White ball game … #ENDvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 4, 2018
That’s been a fantastic 3 days & 1 session .. Loved every single minute .. 2 teams giving it everything .. hope we have 4 more Tests exactly the same .. A Great 4 day Test Match !!! #ENDvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 4, 2018
Cut test matches to 4 days, speed up over rates, have more bowler friendly surfaces and put cricket back on terrestrial tv and we ll have more great games like that one! Great win England and what a game for S Curran.
— Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) August 4, 2018
Source: ESPN Crickinfo