Indian Captain Virat Kohli says his India team were “provoked” by England in the second Test – and will “not take a backwards step” when they meet again at Emerald Headingley on Wednesday.
India won an often ill-tempered game at Lord’s by 151 runs thanks to a remarkable fightback on the final day.
“This team is not going to back down,” said Kohli.
“What’s said on the field and what’s done in the moment gives you extra motivation.”
Kohli did not reveal what provoked him or his players, but there were several confrontations during a thrilling match that went into the final hour.
India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah targeted England number 11 James Anderson with a series of bouncers on the third evening, and England responded to Bumrah and fellow tailender Mohammed Shami in similar fashion on the fifth morning during a spell which arguably cost them the match.
Kohli was also involved in a verbal exchange with Jos Buttler as England were bowled out for 120 on the final day, failing to bat out two sessions to secure a draw.
“The details don’t need to be discussed,” said Kohli, whose side lead 1-0 in the five-match series.
“It happens in the moment. It’s how you get up from that situation, that’s what matters.”
Bumrah bowled four no-balls in an over to Anderson in the first innings, hitting him on the helmet with one of several bouncers.
“I felt like he wasn’t trying to get me out. I’ve not felt this ever in my career,” Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast.
“They are a passionate side. They use emotion differently to how we use it. They channel it well – we saw that on the last day.”
