NEW DELHI: India’s star batter Virat Kohli was at his animated greatest on the opening day of the Boxing Day Take a look at towards Australia on the Melbourne Cricket Floor, delivering stern directions to his teammates throughout a tense first session.
Caught on the stump microphones, Kohli was heard telling pacer Mohammed Siraj, “Has ke baat nahi karna inse (Do not smile whereas speaking to them),” after Siraj exchanged phrases with Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne.
The incident adopted Siraj’s interplay with Labuschagne in the course of the pitch, an change that Kohli clearly discovered too cordial for the heated environment of the Take a look at match.
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Kohli’s fiery strategy wasn’t the one tactical spotlight from the Indian camp. Skipper Rohit Sharma was additionally heard instructing spinner Ravindra Jadeja to profit from the floor. “Jaddu, ball bounce bhi ho raha hai, flip bhi ho raha hai,” Rohit remarked, urging his bowler to use the favorable situations.
The charged moments got here amidst Australia’s dominant efficiency within the morning session. Debutant opener Sam Konstas shocked the Indian assault with a blistering 60 off 65 balls, propelling the hosts to 112 for 1 at lunch.
Kohli was additionally below scanner after his shoulder bump with the 19-year-old Konstas earlier within the session.
Kohli’s aggressive demeanor, coupled with India’s efforts to battle again towards a assured Australian lineup, has set the tone for a fiercely aggressive Take a look at match on the MCG. Followers will likely be desperate to see how the guests reply within the coming periods.
