VIRAT Kohli has made it clear Mitchell Starc is the man India most fear ahead of today’s first-Test start in Pune.
The Indian captain said Australia’s deliberations over whether or not to play Josh Hazlewood would have little bearing on his team’s preparations, but when it comes to Starc, the hosts are on high alert.
Despite the dramatic deliberation over Australia’s side, it would seem Hazlewood is still the favourite to retain his place alongside a bowling attack also featuring Starc, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe and Mitchell Marsh.
Even on a dry, turning pitch described by captain Steve Smith as the most extraordinary he’d seen, Starc is unquestionably still Australia’s key man.
Starc decimated Sri Lanka on slow decks last year and even though Kohli tried to insist India are focusing on themselves, he couldn’t help admit to the devastating threat posed by Starc.
Hazlewood says Starc is so quick through the air, the state of the pitch can often be irrelevant.
Mitchell Starc is the Australian bowler the Indian team fear.Source:Getty Images
Wasim Akram considers Starc the best reverse swing exponent in the world.
Kohli has felt comfortable against Starc in years gone by, but not now.
“Mitchell Starc, he’s a world-class bowler, we all know that,” Kohli said.
“He’s been hampered with injuries quite often but the way he’s evolved as a bowler has been outstanding.
“I’ve played with him in the IPL, I’ve faced him in my first two tours to Australia. From then to now it’s a massive, massive change and the way he’s learned the art of reverse swing and bowling with the old ball as well is quite amazing to see, the way he’s developed his skills.
“That’s something every cricketer in the world would admire. Like you admire world-class batsmen you admire world-class bowlers as well and you respect their skills, and Mitchell is one of them.
“He’s really taken his game to the next level and that’s why he’s one of the top bowlers in world cricket. He deserves to be there because he’s worked very hard for that and the results are evident.”
Hazlewood said reverse swing at pace is Australia’s best hope of throwing Kohli off his game.
“I think so. Any movement you get on these wickets will be the key,” he said.
“Whether it’s with the new all, or the reverse ball later on.
“He takes the wicket out of the equation sometimes with how full and quick he bowls. He’s someone who can get that reverse swing and get the most out of it in these conditions.”
Originally published as The one Aussie that gives Kohli chills
