Australia vs India 2018: Virat Kohli Will Need Support From Other Batsmen to Win Tests - Adam Gilchrist

Former Australia cricketer, Adam Gilchrist is expecting Virat Kohli to do a repeat of 2014-15 Test series. However, to win the Border-Gavaskar trophy, the other batsmen need to support the Indian skipper Kohli. Meanwhile, the first Test will start from December 6, in Adelaide. Moreover, Virat Kohli had slammed hundreds in both the innings in India’s heartbreaking loss four years back.

“Going ahead into the Test series, I expect Virat Kohli will have another imperious outing like he did in 2014 (694 runs in 4 Tests at average 86.50). I have spoken with him these last few days, seen his confidence, and seeing the way he batted in Sydney, I will be very surprised if he doesn’t,” Adam Gilchrist told PTI during an interview.

In addition to, when asked Adam Gilchrist about any particular plan to stop Virat Kohli, he replied.

”I don’t think I will be able to pinpoint a plan because I don’t know. At best, Australia will have to be patient. They will have to play good old-fashioned Test cricket. Their best hope is to make early inroads in the Indian batting and bowl at Kohli with the new ball.” Gilchrist added.

Furthermore, the batting order has been a cause of concern for team India on South Africa, England tour

Virat Kohli-led team lost to South Africa 2-1 and then in England 4-1. Meanwhile, the India captain was the only man who was in prolific form and had scored the highest runs in the series against England.

However, Australia will miss the service of Steven Smith and David Warner. The duo is serving a ban of 12 months for their involvement in a ball-tampering saga earlier this year in South Africa.

“Smith and Warner have scored a lion’s share of Australia’s runs over the last couple years or so, and this is a huge loss, no doubt. They are clearly going to miss them, especially Smith because he is in the same space as Kohli.” Adam Gilchrist further added.

Also, Gilchrist also termed Cameron Bancroft’s suspension will also hurt the home team.

“Even Cameron Bancroft is a big miss because he provided a calming influence at the top as a Test opener. In their absence, my advice for Australia would be to bat in a group. And they need to avoid what India did in South Africa and England.” Adam Gilchrist concluded.