Matthew Hayden Confident of Virat Kohli Performing Well in England

India is all set to tour England for a full series which includes three ODI’s, three T20I’s and five Tests from early next month.

When India visited England last time around, Virat Kohli had a horrendous time with the bat. He ended up scoring just 134 runs in ten innings at a below-par average of 13.40. Kohli will look to make amends in all three formats of the game and help India seal the series in England this time around.

The former Aussie opener, Matthew Hayden backed Kohli to come good in England this time around. He has given Kohli some precious advice to succeed in England.

During an exclusive interview with International Business Times, Hayden revealed several aspects about Kohli’s game and also spoke about India’s chances in the series against England.

Hayden was asked whether he feels India can do well this time in England. In reply, he was confident that the visitors would put up a better performance in England this time around.

“Yeah, I do (think they can do well). The next two tours (England and Australia) are when this side is going to be benchmarked. England has been quite a challenging place for all sides. I think they will be tested. With their bowling line-up, they have the side that can take 20 Test wickets. With their batting line-up, it is more solid at the moment. Athletically in the field, they have got the players who are able to pull off fielding performances.

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“In each facet of the game, they are truly world-class. KL Rahul has got a good overseas record, can he maintain that? It is the same with Murali Vijay. Virat Kohli as well. He has a superb overseas record, particularly in Australia. So it is all there waiting for them to unfold as a dominant Test nation.”

Virat could turn the tables around – Hayden

When asked if Virat can turn things around in England, Hayden backed him to be successful.

“Yes, he can succeed. Who doesn’t struggle (in swinging conditions?). He is a very positive player. If he can learn anything from me, maybe it is that you don’t have to be so aggressive in those conditions. You can just learn to bide time, eat pressure, which he is good at, and be dominant that longer you bat.

Potentially that could be a good solution for Virat. Maybe not try to think too much either, not try to change too many things. It is a temptation, be it in England, Australia or any touring venues, you are going to try and change everything. There is no obvious weakness in Virat’s game. It is solid. He did not have the best performance last time, but I am sure you will see a better performance this time.”

When asked how Virat should tackle the English media, he said Virat has to make his bat do the talking.

“The tabloid media can be quite aggressive. You have to let your bat do the talking. At the end of the day, you are not playing with a pen. You are playing a cricket ball, and it is a cricket wicket. Ultimately you have to rise above those situations. All these world-class athletes are accustomed to those. He will have solutions in mind.”

The bat would do the talking

He also placed Kohli on par with some of the other Indian greats including, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly.

“He is amongst all of the giants of the game. He is getting better and better. He is still maintaining his hunger which is the key. His fitness levels are superb. Also, you have to have a bit of luck as well to keep performing. There have to be moments in time where you don’t have an injury. He is right up there with some of the greats,” he concluded.

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