The former Australian cricketer Mark Taylor on Wednesday has expressed his disappoint over Virat Kohli’s comment when Indian skipper stated he would ‘not like to be a friend’ with Australia after hosts reclaimed the coveted Border-Gavaskar trophy 2-1 in Dharamsala Test by eight wickets.
“I was disappointed to hear Indian captain Virat Kohli say he would never be friends with the Aussies at the conclusion of what has been a gripping Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy,” Taylor wrote in his column for Channel Nine.
The 52-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator Taylor stated players are supposed to be careful while making a decision as he felt the game is being played with and against each other during the different leagues and holding the grudges for each other is not a good idea to settle with.
However, the six weeks witnessed the high drama between the two sides which further witnessed probing spells, batting collapses and match-winning partnerships before Virat Kohli and Co. lifted the trophy.
“Cricketers play together a lot these days, both with and against each other, so you’ve got to be very careful about holding grudges and making stances like that,” Taylor said.
After hosts achieved the target of 106 on day four of the four-match series decider, Taylor said Australian were eager to share the table with Indian contingent after the series was wrapped up Tuesday (March 28).
“I know the Aussies were keen to have a beer, or a soft drink, or whatever with India after the fourth Test was done and dusted in Dharamsala and I really hope that happened,” Taylor further said.
The former Aussie left-handed batsman Taylor was happy with the way Australian skipper Steven Smith had apologised during the post-series ceremony before adding players like Kohli and Smith are there to set an example how gentleman’s game is played across the globe.
“I heard that Steve Smith came out and apologised after he felt that he overstepped the mark and I think it’s very good that he did that. Everyone understands why but I also think it’s important that people like Smith and Kohli set an example for the rest of the world when it comes to how cricket should be played,” Taylor asserted.
The New South Wales-born Taylor said both captain had cross the line during the series which further saw war of words from the players on the field as Decision Review System (DRS) controversy has also marred the series.
However, the competition to get on the top of each other had fascinated the fans of both the teams according to Taylor.
“I think both captains at time probably crossed the line, sure, but having said that that made it a very good series to watch because a lot of people really enjoyed the fact that they could see both sides were going hammer and tong,” Taylor concluded.
Taylor, who has praised Australian players for pushing India to fight hard for the every game, had played 104 Tests, 113 One-day Internationals for Australia.