Virat Kohli is a global star. And part of this global stardom has come with his competitiveness on the field. His beautiful batting style and the verbal spat with the opposition players at times, help the game to be more interesting. This gives him a lot of attention, even from the opposition players.
In Australia, the fans might get into his skin as he has a history of going furious on the pitch with Australian players whenever he played against the Kangaroos. But the fans might also cheer for him if he produces blitzes with the bat.
Australian Fans Will Enjoy Virat Kohli, Says Geoff Lawson
Former Australian batter Geoff Lawson thinks the same. He thinks that Jasprit Bumrah might be a bit more likable player for the Aussies fans but if Kohli goes on to produce brilliance, he will also get cheers from the home crowd.
“Virat Kohli will see mixed reactions but Bumrah will enjoy his time as he will field at fine leg. He is going to have more chances to speak to the fans. Kohli will appeal against the batters in the infield and will be involved in a verbal slugfest with some of the Australian players,” he told Mid-Day.
“Aussie fans love a player like Virat Kohli. I know he will have some tough moments with the fans but they will applaud him if he scores fifties and hundreds. He has liked the Australian conditions ever since his first match over here 13 years ago. Is he still sharp enough to take on the Aussie attack? I wouldn’t count him out,” he added.
Australia hasn’t won one Border Gavaskar Trophy in a decade, since 2014-15. Since then, the trophy has never left the Indian shelf. Kangaroos will be keen to snatch it back. Pat Cummins, being one of the most competitive captains in modern cricket would want a repeat of the last WTC final where Australia had thumped India.
Geoff Lawson thinks Cummins can get it done. Cummins who thrashed India in the WTC and ODI World Cup final, hadn’t their luck in the T20 World Cup as the Men in Blue had put them in their seat. Despite losing four consecutive Test series against India, Lawson thinks Cummins can pull this through this time.
“Pat Cummins is very competitive and he will be eager to beat India in Test cricket. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to India for a decade, and it is time to get it back to Australia. Australia are the WTC Champions, but the fans want to see the team thumping India.”
When Is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The legendary Lords will witness the first battle of the 2024 Border Gavaskar Trophy which will commence on November 22. The tournament will have its curtains down when Sydney hosts the fifth and final Test on January 3, 2025.
| Date | Match Details | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, Fri – Nov 26, Tue | Australia vs India, 1st Test Perth Stadium, Perth |
Match starts at Nov 22, 02:30 GMT 8:00 AM 02:30 AM GMT / 10:30 AM LOCAL |
| Dec 06, Fri – Dec 10, Tue | Australia vs India, 2nd Test Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
Match starts at Dec 06, 04:00 GMT 9:30 AM 04:00 AM GMT / 02:30 PM LOCAL |
| Dec 14, Sat – Dec 18, Wed | Australia vs India, 3rd Test The Gabba, Brisbane |
Match starts at Dec 14, 00:00 GMT 5:30 AM 12:00 AM GMT / 10:00 AM LOCAL |
| Dec 26, Thu – Dec 30, Mon | Australia vs India, 4th Test Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
Match starts at Dec 26, 00:00 GMT 5:30 AM 12:00 AM GMT / 11:00 AM LOCAL |
| Jan 03, Fri – Jan 07, Tue | Australia vs India, 5th Test Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
Match starts at Jan 03, 00:00 GMT 5:30 AM 12:00 AM GMT / 11:00 AM LOCAL |
To get the latest sports updates and highlights, check out The100Sports, and Follow us on Twitter