India vs England 2021: Geoffrey Boycott Thoroughly Impressed By Virat Kohli's Exceptional Shot Selection

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott was impressed by the Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s exceptional shot selection in the second Test and wants the England batsman to learn from him. Virat Kohli produced fine innings of 62 in the second innings of the second Test in difficult conditions to bat and showed the batsmen the perfect way to bat on a turning track.

India came back really well in the second Test after losing the first Test to England and stamped their authority at home again. The spin-friendly conditions helped India to put a lot of pressure on the England batsman who struggled to get going in this pitch. Rohit’s 162 in the first innings and Ashwin’s century in the second innings meant that India won the Test to level the series by a huge margin of 317 runs.

“His Judgement Of Length Was Exceptional” – Geoffrey Boycott

Geoffrey Boycott mentioned the way Virat stuck to the basics with the odd sweep shot and was really precise in his shot-making and footwork. He lauded Virat for picking the right length quickly and credited him for showing that it was possible to bat properly in those tough conditions. It needed a lot of concentration as the oddball was turning and some wasn’t spinning, creating a lot of doubts in the minds of the batsmen.

“He used the odd sweep shot but stuck to the basics and batted superbly. Virat defended with determination, his footwork was superb and at all times he was careful and watchful. His judgement of length was exceptional and his shot execution equally impressive. He showed that it is possible to bat properly,” Geoffrey Boycott mentioned in his column on The Daily Telegraph.

Geoffrey Boycott Backs Indian Pitches

Geoffrey Boycott mentioned the pitches in India being on the slower side and gives the batsman time to adjust their shots. He noted that flat pitches aren’t mandatory and it is an evident fact that the pitches in India offer a lot of spin.

“The great thing about Indian pitches is that they are not fast. You have time to adjust and pick your shots. Nothing in the laws of cricket says the pitch should be flat for batsmen. Every pitch in India spins. It is just a question of when and how much it turns,” Geoffrey Boycott mentioned.

A lot of cricket experts around the world were very critical about the Indian home games not going to the fifth day due to rank turners.