Kohli refuses to get excited by chance to enter history books

NEW ZEALAND should fancy their chances of claiming the inaugural World Test Championship final against a rattled Virat Kohli.

The India skipper is clearly worried about coming second best to Kane Williamson’s men, which is why he went out of his way to pour cold water on the event yesterday on the eve of this morning’s start.

This final is the big one, with £1.15million and the golden Test mace going to the winners.

With New Zealand in form in these conditions, having beaten their hosts England, Kohli, below, tried to suggest the final at the Ageas Bowl is anything but special.

He said: “This is another Test match that has to be played.

“It is an occasion that has to be enjoyed.

But no more important for us than the first

Test match we played together as a young group of players.

“These things are very exciting from the outside, where so much importance and extra stuff is attached to one game to make it do or die.

“Deciding who is the best team in the world on one game over a period of five days is not the reality of the truth.

“It is not going to reflect anything for people who understand the game and who know exactly what has gone on over the past four or five years.”

What a shame for Kohli and his players that they cannot get excited about being in a global tournament final where there is a chance to make history.

At least his opposite number seems to get it.

Kiwi captain Williamson said: “It is great to be in a final. and the team is very excited about the opportunity.

“Most series are more than one Test. It’s a one-off and in cricket

anything can happen. We’re just fortunate to be involved in it.”