ICC World Cup 2019: England vs India – Moeen Ali Eyes Virat Kohli’s Prized Scalp at Edgbaston
Jun 30, 2019 at 12:18 PM
England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who shares a great camaraderie with Team India skipper Virat Kohli, has effusively praised latter for his staggering run with the bat in international fold. During the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019, Ali believes it means plenty for any bowler to claim the prized wicket of Kohli, who has been consistent with the bat.
The off-spinning is part of England’s World Cup squad. The Three Lions will face India in a do-or-die clash at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sunday (June 30).
The 32-year-old Ali, who will be playing at his home venue, conceded that he will give his best to dismiss Kohli in the match No. 38 at the ICC World Cup 2019.
Interestingly, the 30-year-old Delhi-based batsman Kohli has faced some competition from Ali in the past. Across formats, Ali managed to get better of Kohli on six occasions across formats in the international fold.
In the ongoing twelfth edition of the World Cup, the classic top-order batsman Kohli has slammed four half-centuries. In six matches, Kohli has accumulated 316 runs at an average of 63.20. He is ninth on the list of most-run getters for the ongoing ODI showpiece.
Moeen Ali wants to dismiss Virat Kohli:
Ali, who has followed Kohli on close quarters, reiterated the batting star is in the United Kingdom (UK) to deliver for his team. In his exclusive column for the Guardian, Ali he is there to try getting Kohli out or scoring at the lower batting order.
“Virat knows he’s there to score runs for India, while I’m here to get him out (or score some myself). It means a lot to get a player like him out but you can still be friends trying to do it,” Ali stated on the Guardian.
Earlier, England has started off the tournament on a bang against the Proteas by winning the World Cup opener by 104 runs at the Kennington Oval on May 30, 2019.
The World Cup favourites England also slipped to No. 2 spot on the ICC’s ODI rankings following their back-to-back defeats against Sri Lanka and Australia. As of now, their semi-final spot is in jeopardy as they’re bound to win their remainder of the fixtures against India and then New Zealand on July 3.
England has plenty at stake:
With India second on the ICC World Cup points table, following a commanding run. Ali believes, the fans are expected more from the Men in Blue. He reiterated the home side pressure shouldn’t be a case in the impending fixture. He believes Indian players are being cherished and equally criticised for their loss
“The pressure of being the home side shouldn’t be a factor. Our next opponent, India, are a good reminder of this. Because we don’t have to deal with nearly the same amount of expectation as they do. They are superstars back home. Win and they are showered with praise, lose and they are on the receiving end of harsh criticism,” Ali elaborated.
In the meantime, India would be keen to continue their unbeaten run so far.