WTC Final 2021: Salman Butt Impressed With Virat Kohli's Field Setting And Bowling Changes

Former Pakistan batsman Salman Butt believed that the Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s field setting and bowling changes have been spot on so far in the ICC World Test Championship finals. The Indian fielding was absolutely at its best with a lot of excellent catches and it helped India restrict New Zealand from taking a big lead in the first innings.

Kohli did not have the option of the fourth seamer in place, but he used the spinners for the right batsmen to make them effective. His decision on the field brought India back into the game and he was very much happy to give an opportunity to Mohammed Shami, who was on the verge of picking up a fifer.

Salman Butt Rates The Indian Fielding To Be Top Class

Salman Butt mentioned the usage of bowlers and the field setting to be of the highest order from Virat Kohli. He referred to the catches from Shami at mid-on, Rohit at the slips, and Gill at short covers was not easy and they went on to hold on to any chances that came their way. Butt added that the game has been played in the best way possible so far and it has been a delight for the viewers.

“Virat Kohli was spot on with his field setting and bowling changes. And apart from that, the catching throughout this Test match has been special. Shami had taken a great catch of                        Conway and the slip catching was brilliant.” 

 “Shubman Gill also took a great catch. There is high-class cricket happening, be it batting or bowling,” Salman Butt told on his YouTube channel.

Salman Butt Credits Shami For His Brillant Spell

Salman Butt hailed Shami for his brilliant use of the angles of the crease and he referred to the seam movements that kept even the keeper in the fray while collecting. He added that Ishant and Shami’s tight lines were very impressive and helped the scoreboard pressure build-up eventually leading to wickets.

“Shami was superb, he bowled brilliantly. He used all the possible angles of the crease. He swung the ball so much that even the keeper had problems in collecting it. Ishant was also superb. The economy rate of both of them was brilliant with Shami picking up four wickets and Ishant picking up two,” Salman Butt added.

Meanwhile, India is struggling with the loss of Virat Kohli and Pujara early on the reserve day with some excellent bowling from the New Zealand pace attack.