In a heated exchange within the cricket community, former cricketer Shane Lee has responded to Ricky Ponting for his remark concerning Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli’s performance.
Lee contends that Ponting’s words are likely to ignite Kohli’s spirit ahead of the high-profile match Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Speaking on a podcast, Shane Lee addressed Ponting’s assertions about Kohli’s recent struggle in Test cricket. he deemed Ponting’s criticism as a misstep saying that it only triggers the seasoned batsman.
“Ricky, that’s a bad move! You’re pushing that guy to step up. He’s a world-class performer and will only rise to the occasion,” Lee remarked during the broadcast.
“This series is shaping up to be a fantastic spectacle, definitely brimming with tension, especially with the recent events surrounding the India A team and now with Ricky throwing down the gauntlet to Kohli,” he opined.
Virat Kohli has an impresssive record against Australia amassing 1352 runs in 13 test matches with an average of 54.08 including 6 centuries and 4 half centuries.
Meanwhile, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed his discontent with Australian legend’s comment urging him to concentrate on Australia squad rather than firing jabs at Indian players.
Recently, Ricky Ponting reminded fans of Kohli’s test form, pointing out the batsman’s two centuries over the past five years.
“I came across a stat recently that indicated Virat has scored only two Test hundreds in the last five years, and if that’s accurate, it’s indeed concerning,” Ponting remarked.
“There aren’t many top-order batsmen left in international cricket who would still be playing with such a record.”
Virat Kohli’s performance has been scrutiny following a modest home test season where he managed only one fifty across five tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
