HARARE: Indian fast bowlers put up an improved show on Sunday but skipper Virat Kohli said they can still learn from Zimbabwe pacers how to use the new ball effectively.
R Vinay Kumar and Mohammed Shami, who came into the side after frontline pacers were rested, were pretty ordinary in the first two matches of the series.
Shami was economical on Sunday and also scalped two rival batsmen while Vinay Kumar took one wicket.
“Zimbabwe still have some inexperience in the (batting) line-up. Their bowlers have bowled in good areas. They know how to bowl on these wickets. They are using the two new balls well. Our fast bowlers can learn from them,” Kohli said after India strolled to a seven-wicket win, which sealed the series.
Kohli yet again batted with responsibility as he made an unbeaten 68 in India’s chase of 184.
The young skipper said he likes to take responsibility. “I am one of the few experienced guys in this side and I am trying to take responsibility,” Kohli said at the post match presentation.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra was adjudged man-of-the-match for his impressive figures of four for 47 as he was instrumental in bundling out the hosts for 183.
Mishra, who is making a comeback into the Indian side, said he has worked hard on his googly with bowling coach Joe Dawes.
“My bowling coaches always tell me to go for wickets and not worry about runs. Whenever you take wickets, it puts pressure on the other side. I have worked hard on the googly with Joe Dawes. I have done lots of talking on it as well,” Mishra said.
“There are a lot of upcoming players in the side and there is healthy competition,” he added.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor said the results have been frustrating for his side considering the amount of hard work they have put in.
“It is getting quite frustrating now. Leading up to the series the amount of work we put in that is not translating into results. And knowing the ability of the players, it is irritating,” a dejected Taylor said.
Taylor believes that there is lot play for in the remaining two matches and his batsmen would need to toughen up mentally to take on the Indian side.
“There is still lot to play for in Bulawayo. There have been soft dismissals and the guys need to toughen up mentally,” he added.
