Picture Credit: X
India will host England in the third Test, starting February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. While the Indian side will be without key batter Virat Kohli, who remains unavailable, citing “personal reasons”, this hasn’t rested well with a lot of the cricket fanatics.
Among many, former England cricketer Stuart Broad also voiced his support for Kohli stating that family has to be a priority while he continues to miss the series. He opined that a player of such big stature might be a talking point for Indian camp. “It’s a shame for the series that he will be missing but India have won the last Test. Kohli is such a quality player, his passion, his fire, but obviously, personal matters always take procedence. But it gives a great opportunity to young players also. So someone in the Indian batting line-up will stand up at some stage,” Stuart Broad said while speaking to IANS.
He also added that Kohli’s absence will also open a window for opportunity for the youngsters, while adding that it should be a great opportunity for England to clinch the series. “The first two matches were very competitive, and it is one of the most exciting India-England Test series that I have seen. India won the last Test but England’s playing style is quite effective in India. With Virat not in the team, it is great opportunity for the England team,” he added.
Virat Kohli to rejoin the side for final Test against England in Dharamsala: Reports
According to reports, citing PTI, former India captain Virat Kohli is likely to rejoin the side for fifth and final Test in Dharamsala. “The selection committee always knew that Virat won’t be available for the series and accordingly the contingency plan was kept ready,” a BCCI official was quoted by PTI, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
“Everyone in BCCI want Virat to fulfill his family commitments and then comeback with a free mind as and when he deems fit,” the BCCI official further added.
However, as of now, he stands ruled out of the entire Test series against England. Speaking of the series which currently stands equally poised, while the third Test will be played in Rajkot from February 15 to 19, the fourth will commence from February 23 in Ranchi followed by the final Test, starting March 7 in Dharamsala.
(Read Latest Cricket News and Breaking News of Cricket at SportsTiger. Also browse Domestic Cricket Live Score and Today Cricket Match)
