Kohli’s on-field contest against Anderson among cricket’s finest
conceding his wicket to Anderson, was a mighty achievement. Although Kohli was hampered by injury at Lord’s, he still resisted Anderson’s challenge but the impression was -- much like Bradman in his Bodyline battle with Larwood -- that the bowler’s presence had a profound effect on his eventual dismissals.
The difference between Kohli and the three aforementioned batsmen is the supporting cast. Bradman -- not that he required it -- was surrounded by one of Australia’s best ever top order lineups. Richards was the star in a glittering West Indies batting order and Tendulkar had a similar pride of place in a strong Indian line-up.
Currently, Kohli is fighting a lone hand against a suddenly rampant England attack and that allows the bowlers the luxury of expending the bulk of their energy in seeking the Indian captain’s demise.
If Kohli continues to be plagued by back problems he will have to discern what limitations this places on his batting and then adapt whilst trying to thwart a top class seam attack. As if he doesn’t already have enough challenges there’s also the not-sominor matter of finding the right words to inspire his fellow batsmen so that they make a far greater contribution for the rest of the series.
BOOKABLE OFFENCE
Jimmy Anderson will be just one of many challenges that Kohli faces in the next few weeks. Prior to reaching the UK, India had a glorious opportunity to defeat two heavyweights in England and Australia in consecutive Test series. This would’ve been a laudable achievement.
Now Kohli’s team is in danger of not only wilting tamely against England but also providing a depleted Australian team with a confidence boost, to the point where they will feel their chances of victory at home have greatly improved. If India were to lose both series this would be a bookable offence.
The next few months will be a defining period in Kohli’s captaincy. He’s shown on many occasions that he’s a master batsman; if he can resurrect this Indian team and find a way to thwart Anderson and his English cohorts, then it will go down as an example of masterful leadership.