WTC Final 2021: Brad Hogg Credits Virat Kohli For Not Sending A Nightwatchman

Former Australian left-arm wrist spinner Brad Hogg credited the Indian skipper Virat Kohli for not staying back at the end of the day’s play when Rohit Sharma was dismissed. With only a few overs left in the day, everyone expected a nightwatchman to the crease but it did not happen as the Indian skipper had other plans.

Virat Kohli is always a man of not going down at all and he proved again by not protecting himself by sending a tailender and instead was up for the challenge. Kohli scored 44 in the first innings and he has started off really positive in the second innings getting those quick singles and keeps the scoreboard ticking.

Virat Kohli Wanted To Make A Statement Feels Brad Hogg

Toward the end of day’s lay, Rohit was dismissed and Brad Hogg revealed that he liked Kohli’s brave approach to not send a nightwatchman and walk into the crease himself to eradicate the New Zealand bowling attack which looked really threatening. Hogg added that Kohli wanted to make a statement to the New Zealand bowlers by stepping into the crease and showing them that he is ready to battle it out.

“India lost two quick wickets last night. Rohit Sharma, just before stumps, was a crucial wicket for New Zealand to get. But, the one thing I liked about that one particular moment was Virat Kohli not going for the nightwatchman when he could have.”

“In tough conditions, he went out and led his troops from the front. He wanted to make a statement to New Zealand bowlers that he was not scared of them. He was not shy and wanted to set himself up for a big innings today,” Brad Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

Brad Hogg Reckons The Match Is Still Alive

Hogg expects a result at the end of the game despite very little time left and also felt that the match is still alive. He opined that the sunshine is going to take the game forward and a full day action can be witnessed finally. He claimed New Zealand to have the edge at the moment over India.

“This Test match is alive and well. I think that there is going to be a result at the end of it. There is plenty of cricket to be played today. There is going to be sunshine around and, finally, we are going to get a full day’s play. New Zealand is in the box seat for me.”

India will resume the final day with a lead of 32 runs in their second innings with eight wickets left in their shed.