Gambhir dissects the Indian catastrophe in England

Bikash Mohapatra reports from Edgbaston

England's total dominance on Day Two of the third Test left India with little chance of even salvaging a draw at Edgbaston.

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With three days left, another humiliation seems a certainty for the No 1 Test side.

It is difficult to do the explanation bit when your team has had a dreadful day on the field, but Gautam Gambhir put up a good show at the post-match presser on Thursday.

The opener was candid in his replies, and made no effort to offer any excuse for the team's dismal showing. Instead, he credited the opposition.

"England is playing some really good cricket," admitted Gambhir.

"They have always taken the initiative in the series and put us under a lot of pressure," he continued, adding, "We have just not lived up to the reputation we had and have not played the kind of cricket we should have. There are no excuses for that."

The 29-year-old, however, did not undermine his team either.

"One series doesn't take the credit from us. We have played some good cricket in that last two years.

"There is no shortage of effort. We are giving 100 per cent on the field every time," he explained.

"It is just that things are not going our way. We haven't been able to convert our starts into something big."

With England leading by 232 runs, with seven first innings wickets intact, the result is a foregone conclusion.

Gambhir minced no words in admitting the same.

"We are under a lot of pressure. England holds the edge in this match. Hopefully, we will show some character and determination and fight till the end," he said.

He looked back at the team being in similar plight previously and coming good.

"We were in a similar situation in Napier (New Zealand) a couple of years back and managed to save the Test. That can be an inspiration."

The Delhi player was, however, evasive when asked if the excess of matches resulted in India's pathetic showing on the ongoing tour.

"The BCCI needs to answer that," he declared, in a diplomatic tone.

"All I can say is we put in our best whenever we take to the field."