Kohli targets rookie Pope

INDIA skipper Virat Kohli has taunted England debutant Ollie Pope ahead of his Test debut, saying: “We’ll aim to knock you over cheaply”. The 20-year-old batsman will have his first taste of international cricket when he steps out at Lord’s today for the second Test. But Kohli revealed India are targeting the youngster as his team look to fight their way back into the series after they lost a thrilling opening Test at Edgbaston last week by 31 runs. “It is going to be a big occasion for him,” said Kohli. “We want to try and knock him over as early as possible. Two times in two innings. On a larger front, I’m happy for him. As a cricketer, I understand how important it is. I will tell him to enjoy the occasion – and not get too many runs.” But England captain Joe Root, who will bat Pope at No 4, said: “Ollie is very mature for a young man. I can see that he thinks about the game a lot and has a very good understanding of where he’s at within his own game – which is a really good sign in a young man.”