Head Coach Mickey Arthur challenges Virat Kohli to score a century in Pakistan

Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 12:17 AM

Mickey Arthur, Mohammad Hafeez
Mickey Arthur Image Courtesy: Getty Images

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In recent developments from Pakistan, Head Coach Mickey Arthur, challenged India’s run machine, Virat Kohli, to score prolific centuries in Pakistani condition. Arthur claimed that Pakistani seamers would make life difficult for Kohli and the chase master might find it tough to reach the three-figure mark.

His statements came in the aftermath of VK’s epic ton against South Africa which helped him complete a rare feat of scoring a ton in all nine cricketing nation he has visited. However, Arthur had other thoughts on the special feat from Kohli as he suggested that it won’t be a cakewalk to reach a three figure-mark in the country.

Mickey Arthur, Colin de Grandhomme, Colin Munro, Sarfraz Ahmed, Henry Nicholls
Mickey Arthur rues the Hamilton loss. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“Kohli is a fantastic player but our team will make it hard (for him) to score a century there (Pakistan). It has been a great pleasure to watch Kohli scoring against all teams and it is always enjoyable to watch him bat. However, our bowlers will not make it easy for him to score there. Hopefully, India will come to play in Pakistan,” claimed Mickey Arthur during an interview.

Also Read: Virat Kohli is still not at his best as a leader: Ray Jennings

This comes in as a tongue in cheek comment from someone like Arthur for two reasons primarily. Firstly, looking at the current diplomatic situation, one might believe that it would take an eternity for an Indian team to visit Pakistan. Therefore, it might be possible that Kohli won’t be able to play any game in Pakistan to prove his mettle in the country.

Ray Jennings, South Africa, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Skipper,
Virat Kohli struck his 33rd hundred in the series opener of the six-match ODI series in Durban. Photo Credit: AFP.

Secondly, India’s recent record in Pakistan has been nothing short of gold. Batsmen such as Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and many others made full use of the batting paradises presented to them in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and other places.

That said, one can only hope the diplomatic issues between the two nations dissolve soon and two countries get to play each other at the iconic Gadaffi Stadium.

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India National Cricket Team Mickey Arthur News Pakistan national cricket team Virat Kohli