Matthew Hayden’s Advice for Virat Kohli Ahead of Melbourne Test
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is key in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series is tied at 1-1. This game is crucial for India’s WTC hopes. Among the key players expected to shine with the bat, Virat Kohli’s form will be under the microscope.
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has weighed in on Kohli’s batting in Melbourne. He advised the Indian maestro on how to beat the Aussies.
Hayden on Kohli’s Opportunity in Melbourne
On Star Sports, Hayden said the MCG should be easier for batting than in the earlier Tests of the series. However, he cautioned Kohli to beware of a weakness. It was his tendency to chase deliveries wide outside the off-stump.
“There could’ve been magnificent wins, there could’ve been losses, there could’ve been spinning conditions – I mean, you can list off a hundred different areas where Virat Kohli, over his magnificent career, would have batted. But in Melbourne, he’s going to have a good batting track. What he does need to do is find a way to continue staying at the crease. Flashing outside the off-stump is something that he’s going to have to resist,” shared Hayden while speaking to Star Sports.
Kohli’s form has revived a bit in this series. His classic unbeaten 100 in Perth was a highlight. Melbourne is the perfect stage to prove his comeback and lead India’s batting.
“Take a Leaf Out of Sachin’s Sydney Knock”
Hayden compared Kohli’s situation to Tendulkar’s 241* at the SCG in 2004. He recalled Tendulkar’s disciplined approach in that match. The Indian great had avoided the cover drive. It was a stroke that had caused his downfall before.
“And I suggest – he gets in line with the ball a bit more and looks to play down the ground a little bit more. I know he’s a magnificent cover driver, but so was Sachin Tendulkar, and he put it away for a day [Sydney’s 241*]. I sat in the gully licking my lips, thinking, you know what, this is magnificent, stubborn batting. I didn’t look like getting a catch that day, and yet I felt like I was in the game that entire series.”
Hayden, stationed in the slip cordon during that innings, lauded Tendulkar’s stubbornness. “So, Sachin put away the cover-drive, worked his way into the innings, hit off his legs beautifully, took on the spin, and addressed the areas of concern. He put a big cross through them and said, ‘not on my watch today’. Virat Kohli has got that personality, and I’m sure we’ll see it in Melbourne,” added Hayden.
Kohli’s Challenge in the Boxing Day Test
Kohli has shown glimpses of his best. But, his MCG performance will be key to India’s fate in the series. His success may hinge on:
- Resisting the temptation to play expansive strokes early in his innings.
- Adapt to Australian bowlers like Scott Boland. They excel at exploiting width and seam movement.
- Channeling the mental discipline and shot selection exemplified by Tendulkar in Sydney 2004.
Series Overview: All to Play for
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a rollercoaster so far:
- India’s Dominance in Perth: India claimed the opening Test with a commanding 295-run win.
- Australia’s Comeback: The hosts tied the series with a 10-wicket win in Adelaide.
- Kohli’s Spark: The Indian captain’s unbeaten 100 in Perth offered hope for a consistent return to form.
