Alastair Cook: India outbowled, outbatted us

Alastair Cook after losing the 2nd Investec Test match between England and India at Lord's

London, July 21 (IANS) England captain Alastair Cook gave India credit for 'outbatting and outbowling' them after the visitors earned a 95-run win in the second Test at Lord's to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series here on Monday.

India drubbed England on the fifth and final day of the Test to achieve their first win at the 'home of cricket' since Kapil Dev's men did it 28 years back in 1986.

"It's a tough defeat. I think we have to give India a lot of credit. They have outbowled and outbatted us. Last innings as well, the pitch was turning and bouncing, good toss to win. Credit to India, they left very well," said Cook, referring to the green pitch that was prepared for the match.

The left-handed batsman said that it will take a lot of determination and confidence to turn the result of the series in their favour.

"Definitely an issue of confidence and getting over the finish line. There's a group of players desperate to win for England. Going to take a lot of determination to turn this around," said the 29-year-old.

The opening batsman credited his younger players but said his experienced teammates need to do much more, including himself. Cook, who has had meagre scores of 5, 10, 22 in the two Tests so far, said he first needed to start scoring himself before pointing the finger at others.

"A lot of our performances have been by the younger guys, that's good for English cricket. The older guys are not playing as well as their records suggest, same for myself, I have to start scoring runs as well," said Cook.

"I'm trying my heart out to turn this around. First and foremost, I have to start scoring runs. Recent past hasn't been kind to me but we have won some games as captain as well."