Ricky Ponting divulges the method to rattle Virat Kohli
Former Australian captain and legend, Ricky Ponting, has devised a method which the Australian team can use to rattle Indian captain Virat Kohli. This would force him into making errors during India's series against Australia. Ponting, known for his aggressive approach on-field, remains one of the most successful cricket captains of all time. He was a master of mind games as well. Here's more.
Ponting reveals his thoughts on the Indian skipper
Ponting, in an interview, said that one can get under Kohli's skin, as he himself has seen the Indian skipper getting rattled on a few occasions. The two-time World Cup winning captain believes a hostile bowling attack and aggressive body language can do the deed when it comes to Kohli. He believes a strong body language is what has helped Australia perform in Tests.
Attitude should be complimented with cricketing skills: Ponting
Ponting admitted that Australian teams always 'had few words to say', but added that it was backed up by a strong cricketing prowess, and that is what helped them achieve immense success over the years. "You have to able to impose yourself on the game in a way other than using your mouth. You got to use your actions and skills", he stated.
Ponting analyzes Kohli's performance
Ponting says, Kohli, being a big-hitter, naturally has an ego which can be played with. He thinks not allowing Kohli to score boundaries early in the match, and consistently bowling tight spells can do the trick. Kohli's run-making can be restricted by putting players behind the wickets in different areas and analyzing his performance against James Anderson, someone who has rattled Kohli the most.
How has Virat Kohli fared against Australia?
Kohli's average against Australia in Tests is 50.84, and in his 15 Tests against them, he has six centuries and a top score of 169. Interestingly, his performance in Australia has been better than at home, with Kohli slamming five tons on Australian soil, of which four came during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Thus, Kohli's importance cannot be overlooked this time around.
Ponting's comments speak volumes amidst Australian cricket controversy
While Cricket Australia is trying its best to paint a better picture of its cricketing culture, former captains Ponting and Michael Clarke are advocating use of aggressive body language. It is undeniable that Australian cricket has a history of aggressive competition, but it isn't harmful if, as Ponting said, it is limited to using cricketing skills to pacify opponents instead of verbal smack-downs.
When does the India-Australia Test series begin?
The Border-Gavaskar series begins from Thursday, December 6, in Adelaide. The second Test commences from December 14 (Perth), the third from December 26 (Melbourne), and the fourth is scheduled to start from January 3 (Sydney).
