England Captain Joe Root Says – Kohli is a Great Player, But We Also Have Plans.
The first Test has Started between India and England in Birmingham. Team India replaced Rahul in the place of Pujara.
Before the match, England Captain Joe Root gave an important statement. His statement Team India Captain Virat Kohli. Root said, “From our perspective, Kohli’s form should remain the same as he was on the last England Tour. But we also know that how wonderful player Virat is and what are his capabilities.” Virat had scored 134 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.40 in the 2014 tour of England. Root’s statement is about this failure of Kohli. Virat’s success rate is 22.5% higher than Root, but India won 18 matches less than England.
In the conversation with the media, Root talked about several aspects of the series of five Test matches. Regarding Kohli, the England Captain said – “we would like that Kohli’s form remains the same as the previous England tour. But we also know how great and capable he is. His last two years of performance in Test matches provide you with solid information. We have created a strong strategy for him. You should also keep in mind that when you compete with this type of world class player, he also has the answer to every question. He also has fans in England and the most important thing for us is how we can keep them calm. But also remember that India has many excellent players besides Kohli.”
Several former England players have raised questions on selection in the team of leg-spinner Adil Rashid. He has been brought to the place of Moin Ali. Rasheed has not played Test since 2016. Root reserves the selection of Adil Rashid. Root said – the questions arising on Rashid do not make any difference to us. Everyone has their own views and he is free to say his own views. Adil’s performance in ODIs was good. Hopefully, he will continue this in Test matches. On seeing the pitch, they will decide whether both Rashid and Moin Ali will be in the last eleven or just Rashid.