Steve Smith: Virat Kohli’s number in white-ball cricket is incredible

 

Australia cricketer Steve Smith has extolled India captain Virat Kohli on his feats in the white-ball cricket.

Smith, who shares the top two spots in ICC Test rankings with Kohli, admired the batter, describing his record in the white-ball games as simply incredible while speaking in a live video session on Facebook.

The duo has been consistent across formats for a while now, but Smith lauded his colleague for his willingness to improve as a cricketer and passion for the game, which he said has brought a change to Indian cricket for good.

While also describing the India skipper as an amazing player, Smith said his record shows what he has done for India in cricket.

Apart from his passion for Indian cricket, Smith noted that Kohli’s body seems transformed over time as he looks so fit and powerful. This he said made him admire the way he chases in white-ball cricket.

Smith, who also said that Kohli’s average in winning chases in ODIs is simply phenomenal.

The duo will clash once again when India plays in Australia later in the year in a four Tests series at Gabba, Adelaide Oval, MCG, and the SCG, respectively, from December 3.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Smith said India is a well-equipped side in all departments and will be a big threat to them in the series.

India recorded their first series win in Australia the last time they played in the games without Smith and David Warner.

Speaking on India’s line up, Smith said they would face plenty of challenges against the team he described as incredible. He added that their batting line-up is so strong, and recalled that Kohli and Pujara were immovable the last time they played in the country, adding that Ajinkya Rahane is another quality Test player.

He further included KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma as another batsman that will give Australia a lot of problems.

To Smith, India has both great batting and bowling line-up with the likes of Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma leading the pack.

While nothing that those mentioned are not strangers in Australia, Smith said India is a well-rounded team that will produce a terrific series when they meet in the summer.

 
 
Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed