Jittery Oz rattled after Kohli hit by bouncer

Adelaide, December 11

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A Mitchell Johnson bouncer that struck India captain Virat Kohli on the helmet during the first Test on Thursday might actually help players get past the shock of Phillip Hughes’ death, according to Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.

After taking the wicket of opener Murali Vijay before lunch on Day Three, a fired-up Johnson banged in a short ball which struck Kohli flush on the badge of his helmet. With the memory of the fatal injury to Hughes fresh in their minds, the Australian fielders bolted to the middle out of concern for Kohli, who took his helmet off to inspect it. Though fans at the ground had applauded the first short ball that India’s Varun Aaron sent down to opener David Warner on Day One, the Kohli hit hushed the terraces and Michael Clarke consoled Johnson as he walked back to his mark visibly distressed. Asked whether the blow and Kohli’s response might assist players still struggling to cope with the loss of Hughes, Lyon said it might be beneficial. “It probably has been a positive thing as well, as bad as that sounds,” said the offspinner.

“We know the helmets work, and ... have that confidence for our quicks to have a bouncer again.” Lyon said players had discussed the hit over lunch and Johnson had not been too affected by it. “He’s feeling good and I can guarantee he’s going to come out and fire in the second innings and have that aggression that we all love him for,” he added. Johnson was off his best and was punished by batsmen, particularly by Kohli after the new ball was taken. But the seamer fired up again after having the captain caught out and subjecting Wriddhiman Saha to short stuff. — Reuters