Swepson plans to stand solid
MITCHELL Swepson has vowed not to be blinded by the aura of Virat Kohli, declaring he will attack the batting powerhouse if handed an opportunity in India.
No one in world cricket has yet worked out how to undo Kohli on home soil, as he yesterday became the first man in history to post double centuries in four consecutive Test series, with 204 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad.
However, Swepson knows one thing, and that’s you can’t afford to fall at the feet of the Indian master.
Australia’s rookie legspinner has heeded the advice of Brisbane Heat teammate Samuel Badree that too many bowlers are guilty of being too reverential to Kohli.
Swepson has been turning heads with some ripping legbreaks on Australia’s training boot-camp in Dubai, and says he won’t fall into the trap of being intimidated by India’s batsmen if selectors decide to unleash him as their wildcard spinner.
It might be the toughest mental challenge in Test cricket but Swepson is plotting to turn Kohli into a mere mortal, at least in his own mind.
“Especially as a leg-spinner you’ve got to look to be aggressive and take wickets. It doesn’t matter who you come up against,” Swepson said.
“You’re a leg-spinner and you’re going to get hit for runs. So at the time you’ve got to be the wicket-taker and you’ve got to get the breakthrough the team needs.
“It’s a good point Sammy has made. You can’t take a step back and let them dictate the game. You’ve got to be on the front foot and be aggressive and try to get the wickets before they get you and before they get settled.”
Kohli smashed two centuries and averaged more than 100 in India in their recent carve-up of England.
“It’s hard not to respect what he’s done, especially on home soil,” the 23-year-old Swepson said.
“But I’m just bowling another ball to another player and any ball can get any batsman out on the day.”
Australia’s intra-squad warm-up match for India began yesterday in Dubai, with opener Matt Renshaw retiring with a minor hip-flexor strain.
However, Australian medical staff said the decision to rest him was precautionary.