After missing out from the selection for the first three ODI games due to injuries, Todd Astle has been recalled to join the squad for the final Two ODI games of the series. He will be accompanied with James Neesham, who was also called-up after recovering from injury. Meanwhile, India will be without Virat Kohli for the rest of the tour, as he was assigned to take rest.
Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle were in excellent form in their assigned roles. But, unfortunately, just ahead of the India series, the duo picked up injuries, which saw them staying away from the team. However, they have made a good return to domestic cricket and proved their fitness to join the squad for the final Two games.
I admire Virat Kohli – Todd Astle
Meanwhile, the canny spinner quoted that he was gutted to know that Virat Kohli will not be playing the remainder of the series. He was very much excited to bowl against the best in the world and test his own skills. But, unfortunately, injury ruined his excitement.
However, he consoles himself and believes that all the other batsmen in the Indian lineup also got great skills to deliver. Todd Astle wants to improve his game by making the most of a remaining couple of ODI games against one of the best sides in the world.
“I was actually gutted [not to play Kohli], I have loved watching him play the last decade. He has been someone that I really admire, so, to not come up against him, I think that little childhood boy inside of me was a little bit gutted, you want to test yourself against the best,” Astle said.
Indian whole lineup got rock stars:
“Having said that their whole line-up is jam-packed with rock stars, so it will be a chance to see how you go and then from that where you can make those improvements,” the leg-spinner told reporters at Christchurch Airport.
Well, it is always a bitter feeling when all your excitement goes in vain. However, as Todd Astle said, Indian batting section still got the world-class players, who can wreak havoc if you miss the line or length of the delivery.
Now, it is a bit trickier for Kiwis going into the next couple of games, as they have outplayed in three games and needs to start fresh. They have got a lot of concerns to rectify before going into the next couple of games to save their pride.