‘Calculative Kohli’

Former Australia skipper Mark Taylor reckons Virat’s control in his Sunday special of 82 not out against Pakistan at the MCG, was simply remarkable

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor, 58, is surprised that India couldn’t clinch the recent Asia Cup in the UAE with the kind of strength they possess. He indicated that India have the balance in their ranks to go all the way in the ongoing T20 World Cup and were a highly motivated outfit when they took on Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Sunday. Taylor led Australia to a runner-up position in the 1996 World Cup, where his team lost to Sri Lanka in the final at Lahore. 

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Edited excerpts from a chat:

Score heavily, Aussies
I am a little surprised that Australia lost to our arch-rivals New Zealand [October 22 at Sydney]. This early blow should make the Aussies much more determined. We have to concentrate on scoring heavily. Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell saved us against Sri Lanka [October 25 at Perth].

Australian great Mark Taylor

Kohli too good
T20 cricket is a game of fighting fit cricketers. The other night we saw a magical display of strokes from Virat Kohli. It was a very calculative 82 not out, when the situation demanded and he accelerated the scoring pattern at will. He looked to be a cool customer as well, had total control over the situation and was not in a hurry at all. After losing four wickets, both Virat and Hardik [Pandya] steadied the innings and piled up 113 runs for the fifth wicket. 

India highly motivated
India are a good, balanced side. I don’t know why they could not win the Asia Cup. They have got a good blend of youth and experienced cricketers. They looked a very motivated side in their first match against Pakistan.

England’s woeful day
A few upsets have taken place but I could not digest the defeat of England to Ireland. That was a case of a real bad day in the office.

Feel sorry for fans
Rain has been a spoilsport in current T20 World Cup As this is a World Cup, spectators feel cheated if curtailment of overs take place. I would personally like to have a full game.

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Unbelievable Windies
I’m not happy at all that the West Indies are not in the tournament. Can you believe that the West Indies could not qualify?

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