Australia’s Maxwell mocks Kohli’s injury
ranchi — Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell on Saturday mocked India skipper Virat Kohli’s shoulder injury as fiery exchanges between the two sides continued on day three of the third Test in Ranchi.
Kohli had an injury scare on the opening day on Thursday after hurting his right shoulder while diving on the field in Australia’s first innings.
The star batsman left the ground clutching his shoulder in pain but was later cleared by the Indian board’s medical team as scans revealed “no serious injury concerns”.
Kohli, who stayed out for 400 minutes due to the injury, came out to bat at his usual number four position only to be dismissed cheaply for six off fast bowler Pat Cummins.
But Maxwell was seen imitating Kohli a ball before the batsman got out as he completed a successful chase on the boundary rope and held his shoulder with his arm. However Indian opener Murali Vijay played down the incident at the post-day press conference, insisting the hosts want to keep their focus on the game.
India ended day three on 360 for six, still 91 short of Australia’s 451. “A lot of things are happening but we are really focused on the game. We have a match in hand, we have to go close to the target — these are things running in our heads in the dressing room,” said Vijay.
“All the players are aware of it (Maxwell’s mocking). Whatever they are doing, we take it sportingly. There’s going to be a second innings, so if they can take it that way, it would be great,” Vijay added. Relations between the two teams have been on the boil since Kohli accused Australia and his opposite number Steve Smith of abusing the Decision Review System (DRS) during the second Test in Bangalore. — AFP