Soft ball didn’t help us: Kohli

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

ranchi, march 20

After a day of toil for his bowlers — especially the star spinners — Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that the softness of the ball played a role in India failing to bowl out Australia. After reducing the visitors to 63/4, India faced gritty resilience from Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh. The duo stayed at the crease for almost four hours, which included a wicketless afternoon session. Kohli, however, felt that the result could have been different had the ball retained its hardness.

“I think the hardness of the ball was a big factor,” the 28-year-old said.

“When the ball was new last night, it spun well off the rough. Even this morning, it was spinning well. But in the middle session, the ball was not hard, so could not generate that kind of pace from the wicket.”

Australia lost two wickets in the morning session, and, after Kohli took the new ball, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Marsh, while R Ashwin sent back Glenn Maxwell. “On Day Five, wicket slows down anyway. We took the new ball and got a couple of wickets. But the hardness of the ball in the middle session was a factor,” added Kohli.

Kohli’s counterpart Smith looked bemused at the Indian skipper’s latest assertion. “I haven't really thought about it. We both use the same ball, you just got to do what you can with it,” he said.

Aussies showed disrespect to our physio: Kohli

Kohli alleged that some of the Australian players “disrespected” Indian physio Patrick Farhart. “They started taking Patrick's name. I don't know why. He's our physio, his job is to treat me. I could not understand. You must ask why they started taking his name?” said Kohli. Australia skipper Smith denied the allegation, “It was a bit disappointing. I didn't actually do anything. Virat was having a go at me, saying I was disrespecting Farhart,” Smith said. “I was probably the exact opposite.  I think he did a pretty terrific job to get Virat back on the field after that shoulder injury. He's a terrific physio and he obviously does a great job for them.” said Smith.