Former England cricketer David Gower has said that Virat playing for Surrey shows how much he respects Test cricket and lauded his decision of playing county cricket. He said that his decision to play for Surrey will raise the profile of England versus India Test series.
“It is a very good thing for him. It’s a very good thing for Surrey too. It is a coup by them. They will be delighted to have him – both as a player and someone they can learn from,” said Gower.
“Virat is one of the great players in the world at this moment. We know that his last tour here (in 2014) was disappointing. So, I know he has a list of things on his agenda. He wants to prove that he can make as many runs in England as he does elsewhere.
“Playing in England in August, the conditions will be more favourable (to Kohli). Being the captain, he wants to get a good result too. Personally, for people like me, it is good to see him approach this whole tour from the point of view of giving himself and his team the best chance of success in all formats. By coming here, he is making the world aware how much he respects Test cricket,” he added.
During India’s last tour of England in 2014, India suffered a series defeat by a margin of 1-3, where Kohli managed 134 runs at an average of 13.40 in five Tests, with a highest score of 39 and six single-digit scores. He was struggling to score runs and was troubled by the pace bowlers who pitched the bowl outside off, it eventually turned out to be a nightmare for Kohli. who was becoming an easy target at slip or with the keeper.
“Anyone who has watched cricket in the last five years knows how good he is. He has got extraordinary talent in all forms of the game. We’ve our special moments and our weaknesses. This is his big chance to make amends for the disappointment of last time,” said Gowner.
