The Indian skipper Virat Kohli was all in awe of the Australian pace bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc before the start of the first Test match of the four-Test match series against Australia. Though spinners will have a crucial role to play in the series but even Indian skipper knows that it will be Mitchell Starc, who might stand out for Australian team, leaving the spinners behind as Kohli said,
“Mitchell Starc is the world class bowler we all known that. Injuries have troubled him quite often but the way he has evolved as a bowler, I think he has been outstanding. I have played with him in the IPL. I faced him on my first tour to Australia. From then to now, its a massive change and the way he has learned the art of reverse swing and bowling with the old ball is quite amazing to see, the way he has developed his skills. That’s something which every cricketer would admire. Like we admire the world class batsman, we admire world class bowlers as well. You admire their skills and Mitchell is one of them.”
Sledging will also play its part during the Test series as we have heard few quotes from Australian players which have already raised up the temperature as this young team led by Virat Kohli is ready to take on Kangaroos and is in no mood to just listen to what said by them.
Speaking on the sledging and war of words, Kohli said,
“I am very good friends with these guys off the field. I know where to draw the line. When I step onto the field I will be playing against them. If they criticise me, then I am ok with it, I have no control over it. As I said, I am pretty focused. My team is eyeing to win the Tet series. I am very good friends with these guys but yes on the field we are professionals and we have to understand that it will be a competition but off the field, we are friends with each other.”
The first Test match of the series will be played in Pune from tomorrow (February 23).