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Salman Butt, former Pakistan opener has praised India captain Virat Kohli for batting with great focus despite the challenging conditions on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand.

After a defiant start, India lost their way and was in trouble at 88 for 3. However, Virat Kohli (44*) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (29*) lifted India with a defiant half-century stand. India ended Day 2 of the WTC final at 146 for 3 in 64.4 overs before bad light stopped play.

Virat Kohli batting during Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton. Pic: Getty Images

Salman Butt: Virat Kohli Looked In Control And Focused On The Job

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt hailed Virat Kohli for his application and reading the game situation very well.

“Kohli looked in complete control and focused on the job and Rahane is giving him good support. Even Pujara spent some time out in the middle even though he did not score many.”

Controversial Pakistan batsman Salman Butt (File Photo | AFP)

Responding to a query on Kohli having hit only one boundary despite having faced 124 balls on Day 2 of the WTC final, Salman Butt pointed out: “That is his is application and attention to detail.

“His showed great game awareness and batted as per the demands of the situation. Cricket literate public are aware that, given the conditions, it was exactly the kind of innings required. If New Zealand do not get 2-3 wickets early on Sunday, they could be in some trouble. The second new ball is also coming up, so that will be crucial as well.”

However, Virat Kohli was dismissed on the 3rd day without adding a run to his overnight score of 44. Pacers Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner jolted India with three wickets in quick succession to put New Zealand on top after play on Day 3 had a delayed start due to a wet outfield in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant Sharma were at the crease after the fall of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin on Day 3.

Salman Butt Saw Finesse In Batting In England By Indian Openers After A Long Time

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India was in danger of losing early wickets against the moving ball in overcast conditions. However, Rohit Sharma (34) and Shubman Gill (28) defied the Kiwis with a defiant 62-run opening stand on Day 2 of the WTC final.

Praising the Indian openers, Butt said: “After a long time, I have seen such finesse in batting in England. I was pleased to see a new batsman like Shubman Gill play with such control. If you look at his front foot, it was right under the eye. He did not push away from the body. He allowed the ball to swing and played his strokes. Even when he got short balls, he was fully in control of the pulls.”

Salman Butt further added that although India is somewhat in control now, they are not entirely out of trouble.

The former Pakistan skipper added: “Rohit Sharma also displayed great temperament and curbed his natural instinct. Both openers left the ball very well. New Zealand bowled well under overcast conditions.

“Yes, the batsmen could not convert starts, but the Indian openers did not allow early wickets to fall. India is in control as of now, but they are not out of trouble. In England, you can easily lose 2-3 wickets quickly. If India takes the total of 275-325, and if the spinners come in on the last two days, India is in with a great chance in the WTC final.”

While Day 2 of the WTC final produced some engrossing cricket, bad light halted play more than once. There could be more interruptions on Day 3 with a forecast for rain. India is currently placed at 211/7 with Ajinkya Rahane top-scoring with 49. Ravindra Jadeja was batting on 15 and Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed on 22.