New Delhi, May 24, 2024 – Australian cricketers have expressed their admiration for Virat Kohli’s prowess, acknowledging the significant threat he posed during the World Test Championship (WTC) final last year. Despite their victory, they remained wary of Kohli’s ability to chase down challenging targets.
The WTC Final Recap
In the high-stakes WTC final at The Oval, India faced a daunting target of 444 runs set by Australia. By the end of Day 4, India was 164/3, with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane nearing their half-centuries. Their stand gave India a glimmer of hope, showing why they topped the WTC table. However, Australia’s bowlers, particularly Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc, executed their plans perfectly on the final day. Boland dismissed Kohli for 49, and Starc took Rahane’s wicket, extinguishing India’s hopes of a miraculous comeback. India was ultimately bowled out for 234, giving Australia a 209-run victory and their maiden WTC title.
Insights from Australian Players
In the third season of “The Test,” a popular cricket documentary series on Amazon Prime Video, several Australian players and coaches shared their thoughts on Kohli’s formidable presence:
- Pat Cummins: “Virat Kohli is the one guy who can chase it down in the fourth innings.”
- Steve Smith: “If you look at people chasing the total, Virat Kohli is up there with the best, if not the best.”
- Justin Langer: “He’s been a killer against Australia.”
- Nathan Lyon: “He is super competitive and doesn’t give you an inch. No one comes close to him.”
- Scott Boland: “Going into that last day, we still thought that if they got on a roll, Kohli could still pull off that chase.”
Ravi Shastri’s Praise for Kohli
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri also praised Kohli, emphasizing his global impact on the sport. Shastri remarked, “When he comes out to bat, Virat makes people around the globe, even the opposition, stand up and look. They might not like it but they’ll watch. His presence at the crease is commanding, and he instills both awe and fear in his opponents. Virat’s dedication, competitive spirit, and sheer skill have made him a player to watch, no matter which team you support.”
Kohli’s Record Against Australia
Virat Kohli’s track record against Australia highlights why he is considered one of the greatest modern cricketers. In 25 Tests against Australia, Kohli has scored 2042 runs at an average of 47.49, including eight centuries and five fifties. His remarkable performance during the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he amassed 692 runs in four Tests with four centuries, stands out. This series is often remembered for Kohli’s twin hundreds in Adelaide, a feat that cemented his reputation as a top-class batsman.
Looking Ahead
Later this year, Kohli is set to embark on his fifth tour of Australia, a tour that is likely to be his last. Fans and cricket analysts are eager to see how Kohli will perform against his favored opponents, and whether he can add to his already impressive legacy.
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