Batsman failed our bowlers, says Rahane

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday blamed the Indian team's much-vaunted batting line-up's failure to complement the bowlers for their Test series defeat in England.

India were repeatedly bowled out during the Test series as England grabbed an unassailable 3-1 lead with the fifth and final Test starting here at the Oval on Friday.

"Patience is the key in England, whether you bat or bowl. You got to bowl in the same areas for a longer period of time. Maybe as a batsman, you have to leave the ball for a longer period of time," Rahane said.

"We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as batting group could not support them when we are a experienced group. I think we as batting group fell short.

"When you are on tour you work so hard and prepare so well and then one department performs well then it is responsibility of other group to back them," he added.

Talking about his batting, Rahane said, "I didn't get many runs but I got 50-odd and 80-odd in the last two matches. The way I am batting, I am middling the ball really well. Batting is all about confidence. I would like to contribute a little more to my team.

"During this last match I will definitely give my best and I have prepared myself really well. Preparation from beginning till now is similar, whether you are 3-1 down or up. I am just going to enjoy my batting."
"But England definitely, in their conditions, are a very good team and very experienced team with James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their attack. Moeen (Ali) bowled really well in the last game. They can do really well abroad as well but at home every team is really strong."
"Our team is not announced yet. Talking about Hanuma, he has been doing really well in the domestic season. We have to wait and see what the captain and coach think about team combination."
"I think England team did that so well. When they were in tough situation their number 7-8-9s' contribution was so vital. Even though we were batting so well they persisted with patience. I think that is why they are up 3-1."