India captain Virat Kohli enthralled the crowd at Edgbaston on day two of the first Test against England with a masterly century. With India losing half their side for 100-odd, Kohli rose to the occasion and produced a gritty knock of 149 runs in 225 deliveries, taking the visitors within touching distance of England’s total of 287 runs. His knock included 22 boundaries and one six.

India were bowled out for 274 with Kohli falling to Adil Rashid towards the end of the day. With his century, Kohli also buried the ghosts of his previous England tour, when he had scored 134 runs across five Tests. The India captain spoke to BCCI.tv after the day:

On his innings 

“I try to prepare in the best way I can and help my team as much as possible. It wasn’t only about getting to the three-figure mark but to continue from thereon. I was very disappointed when I got out as well because I thought we could have taken a 10-to-15 run lead but it hindsight we wouldn’t have been able to bowl then. I am just very happy with my preparation and not worried about the world.”

On the Indian collapse 

“It was difficult. I told myself that it is important to enjoy this and take it upon me as a challenge to take the team far and take the innings deep. So it was a test of physical and mental strength. But I am glad that we could come close to their total and pretty much in the game. So when you can help the team that way it obviously feels great.”

On the tail’s effort 

I have to commend the tail as well. Hardik batted really well after we lost five and the way Ishant and Umesh applied themselves, it was an outstanding effort from them. I have to give them a lot of credit for getting us this close because they got stuck in there and supported me really well so that I could feel confident about them being out there which is very important. I am proud of them.”

Best knock ever?

“This could possibly come in second to Adelaide. Adelaide still remains very special to me because it was second innings and we were chasing a target and I had total clarity that we are going for the target and not once did I think we were not. So that was a beautiful zone to be in. But today I am very happy and very grateful for having the opportunity to help the team this way and pull us back in the Test match and compete. That is what we are here to do. We are here to compete, we are here to fight and we are going to keep doing that.”