Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq believes that Kohli has looked “set” on the crease for the first time in the series. The Indian captain walked in a situation where the platform was nicely set by the opener Rohit Sharma and Pujara. Kohli tackled the English bowlers well to take India to a safe position at the end of Day 3.
Kohli and Pujara have a 101 run partnership between them right now. If the duo battle out another session, then India might feel more confident about themselves to save the test. Mind you, India still trails by 139 runs.
Kohli, after a string of failures in the tour, looks composed and at his best in this innings. He safely played out the bowlers, took his time out in the middle to reach 45 runs out of 93 deliveries. It seems that the pressure Kohli had when he walked in has just made him bat more responsibly.
Inzamam pointed out how comfortable Kohli looks on the crease this time as compared to his previous matches. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Inzamam said:
‘I feel that Kohli has been comfortable on the crease for the first time in the series, where the ball is coming onto his bat. I now see him in a comfortable zone, his comfort levels will increase after he reaches 50,’
The former top-order batsman believes that if India bats out Day 4 and poses a target of 150 or above for the hosts, it might cause trouble for them. Still trailing by 139 runs, India has 8 wickets in their hand.
India has the experienced duo of Kohli and Pujara on the crease as settled batsmen. They must battle out another session at least and focus on building the foundation they laid yesterday. Inzamam added that the rest of the batsmen must perform well individually too. He concluded,
‘If this partnership gets even bigger, on the fifth day, if England get a target over 150, then I’m telling you that it will be very hard. These two can do it, the way they played on Day 3. England batsmen played well in the first innings against Indian bowlers, but it could be reversed in the final innings,’
Pujara was a delight to watch on Day 3 as he batted with an attacking mindset. The 33-year-old has made a comeback with this innings as he was struggling in the tour so far. With his new strategy of attacking cricket in this innings, the English bowlers appeared unsettled. The tactics which the bowlers were trying to get rid of Pujara failed miserably. He might soon reach his 19th century as he is unbeaten on 91. Kohli, too, looks set to reach his half-century as he ended the day with 45 runs to his name. Indian fans are joyed to see the duo back in form.
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