India coach Ravi Shastri says pressure is on England, ‘They have to win in their own country’

India’s head coach Ravi Sastry said there is pressure on England to perform in the ongoing five-match series between the two teams as they play at home.

The series is level at 1-1 with India winning the second Test at Lord’s and England winning the third at Headingley.

“If anyone thinks that this Indian team is going to back off, they have another thing coming because at 1-1, we are playing overseas, the pressure is on England. They have to win in their own country. We have done what we had to do with them in India. So, the ball is in their court and we will fight, there’s no question about it,” Shastri said on Times Now Navbharat.

While India recorded a dramatic win at Lord’s despite being behind for much of the game, they lost by an innings and 76 runs at Headingley. The visitors were scuppered for just 78 runs in the first innings of the third Test.

Shastri said his advice to the team would be to forget about the Headingley Test and focus on what they did at Lord’s.

“It’s very easy, you just go back to Lord’s. Just think Lord’s, forget the last one. As simple as that. I know it’s easier said than done but we should remember your good moments as well. Such things happen in the game,” he said.

“England was in the driver’s seat and we snatched victory. In the last Test match, they bowled brilliantly. They caught us on the hop on the very first day of the Test match, they put us on the back foot,” Shastri stated.

“Even though we showed glimpses of a fight in the second innings, I think that first, you know, early dismissal of our players and getting all out for 78 played its part. But this series is wide open.”