Injury-hit Virat Kohli could be more dangerous in Nottingham Test, says coach Bayliss
Trevor Bayliss, England head coach, believes Virat Kohli could be more dangerous when he turns up for his side in the third England vs India Test after shrugging off the back injury.
India had a mighty scare when their batting mainstay did not come to the field when the fourth day’s play began in the second Test. As a result, Ravindra Jadeja had come out to field. Ajinkya Rahane took the role of the captain with Kohli missing the action due to a stiff back.
Kohli also could not come out to bat at his usual number four position as he had spent 37 minutes off the field when England were batting. And even when Kohli came out to bat at number five, there were signs of him struggling due to the stiff back. The second ball he faced, he knocked it beside the pitch and took a step forward before grimacing with pain. The 29-year old’s movements were not usual as he somehow managed to bat.
He limped through for his runs, and even had a physio check on him midway through his knock, and needed painkillers to carry on.
However, he has recovered just in time for the upcoming game.
Great day at training today. Looking forward to the next game. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/RSvnH4EZdm
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 16, 2018
And Bayliss feels the India star could be more dangerous with his bat after regaining fitness.
“It could mean he’s more of a dangerous player. Through history there are a lot of players who have played with an injury and scored runs and taken wickets,” Bayliss said.
“I don’t know if that focuses the mind more but I have just seen him take some slip catches without any problems, so I’m sure he’ll be playing. That won’t change our approach to the way we play him,” he added.
After being hit for 149 and 51 by Kohli in the first Test England had managed to keep the India skipper silent at Lord’s. And another such success would further boost their chance of sealing the series in the upcoming game.
Meanwhile, Bayliss hoped the conditions at Trent Bridge would be similar to Lord’s. In pacer-friendly conditions, England had ripped apart the Indian batting line-up with ease.
“I haven’t been out there but normally there is a bit of swing around. We’re looking forward to it being the same as Lord’s. That would be nice,” he said.