Clarke Commends Australia's Strategic Approach to Dismissing Kohli
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New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has praised the Pat Cummins-led team for their effective implementation of disciplined strategies aimed at dismissing the formidable Virat Kohli in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Although Kohli scored an unbeaten century in the second innings during India's significant 295-run victory in Perth, his performance has been less than stellar, as evidenced by his scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in the subsequent five innings across Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne. More concerning is the fact that all six of Kohli's dismissals in this series have resulted from chasing deliveries outside the off stump.
"I believe Australia bowled exceptionally with a disciplined plan, and they executed it effectively. Virat is the type of player who excels when he makes contact with the ball; this builds his confidence. He desires to strike the ball and has never been a big leaver. Many teams target that mistake outside off stump because he is such a talented player."
"If you bowl too straight, he can score effortlessly on the leg side. The Australians have executed their strategy remarkably well. Virat has struggled to resist those deliveries. We've seen various forms of nicking outside off, whether on the back foot or front foot. Starc is a formidable weapon with his left-arm angle, and Pat Cummins has utilized him effectively. However, I believe Virat will feel disappointed."
"He scored 100 in the second innings of the first Test and appeared to be in good form, especially in the first innings before that run-out. He was disciplined and made Australia come to him. Unfortunately, that run-out occurred, which led to a lapse in concentration. I want to commend the Australian bowlers, but I believe Virat is in good form and will be disappointed with his performance," Clarke stated on ESPN’s Around The Wicket show.
In Melbourne, Kohli was fined 20 percent of his match fee and received a demerit point due to a shoulder collision with debutant Sam Konstas on the first day of play. Former Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch believes Kohli is creating confrontations on his own during this series.
"I think Virat has always thrived under pressure and when his back is against the wall. It seems like he's currently trying to put himself in that position. He appears to be antagonistic, almost as if he is trying to provoke a fight, as this is when he showcases his skills best—when he senses that someone is challenging him."
"It feels like he's pushing others to make him feel that way. We haven't seen his best performance in this series yet. However, as Pup pointed out, he looked magnificent in the first innings in Melbourne and seemed unlikely to get out. The Australian bowlers executed their plans effectively," Finch remarked.
With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, the visitors will hope Kohli can rediscover his former brilliance ahead of the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, commencing on January 3.
