(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Kohli asks for bouncy tracks against Sri Lanka
23 Nov 2017
While the first of three-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka ended in a draw, India are set to face the visitors in the 2nd Test in Nagpur on a grassy wicket, similar to the first Test conditions in Kolkata.
Skipper Virat Kohli admitted to asking for bouncy tracks in order to be prepared for the upcoming South Africa tour.
Cramped schedule and lack of preparation time
Why this request?
Quoting his reasons for requesting bouncy conditions, Kohli pointed out the lack of preparation time due to a tight schedule.
"We only get two days before we fly to South Africa after this (SL) series gets over. So we have no choice but be in game situation and think of the what's coming ahead of us (SA tour)."
India tour of South Africa
Fact
India finish their ongoing schedule against visiting Sri Lanka team on 24 December before setting off to South Africa on 27 Dec. The away tour kicks off on 5th Jan and concludes on 24th Feb. This includes a 3-match Test series, 6 ODIs, 3 T20Is.
Team India open to challenges and difficult conditions
Strategic thinking
Considering the fact that India struggled against the Islanders in first innings of Kolkata Test, the request for green wicket is brave.
It is also clear that the team is preparing for overseas conditions with Tests lined up in South Africa, England, and Australia in the next 18 months. Kohli called this an "opportunity to challenge ourselves and embrace the difficult conditions."
Bouncy pitch a good test for batsmen, says KL Rahul
Fact
KL Rahul agreed that the seaming condition at home is a good test. "It's very clear that we're preparing for next two years. We're going play a lot of cricket overseas, and we're going to find wickets like this, so we wanted to prepare accordingly."
Difficult to play both Ashwin and Jadeja overseas, says Kohli
Stress on seam-bowling all rounder
Ashiwn and Jadeja together bowled only 10 overs in the 1st Test. While praising their all-round abilities Kohli said that it will be difficult to play both of them in overseas conditions.
The captain also iterated the importance of seam-bowling all-rounder in overseas conditions and how Vijay Shankar, a right fit, has been picked to try as a back-up for Hardik Pandya.
MENAFN2311201701650000ID1096135316
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.