"You are not going to find those conditions in Australia" - Simon Doull backs Virat Kohli to perform well in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull reckons that Virat Kohli's struggles in the ongoing Test series against the Kiwis are unlikely to affect his performances in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Admitting that the senior batter has been out of sorts against New Zealand's spinners, Doull pointed out that India are unlikely to encounter spin-friendly conditions Down Under.
Kohli has registered scores of 0, 70, 1 and 17 in the first two Tests against New Zealand. He has been dismissed by spinners in the last three innings. The 35-year-old batter's struggles against spin bowling, especially in home conditions, are well-documented.
While there are concerns over the former Indian captain's form, Doull reckons that the seasoned cricketer will be a different batter during the Test series in Australia. Speaking to news agency PTI, he commented:
"There are issues against spin but he is not the only one. You are not going to find those (spin-friendly) conditions in Australia. He (Kohli) had a great series Down Under. He plays quick bowling as well as he has for the last four or five years. So, I don't think it's a concern."
Sharing his thoughts on Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the 55-year-old added that India must look to win the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai so that they can head to Australia with a certain degree of confidence.
"They have to forget about this series. They could go out and win the third Test in Wankhede and go to Australia with a little bit more confidence. In Australia, quick bowlers will be required. India batters, I think, will be a lot better off on good surfaces. That's what you tend to get in Australia," the former Kiwi pacer said.
The third India vs New Zealand Test will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to 5. The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin in Perth on November 22.
What is Virat Kohli's Test record in Australia?
Despite his disappointing performances at home against New Zealand, Kohli will be one of India's key batters during their five-match Test series in Australia. If we take a look at his performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, the 35-year-old has played 13 Tests in which he has smashed 1,352 runs at an average of 54.08, with six hundreds and four fifties.
Kohli scored 300 runs in eight innings during the 2011-12 tour of Australia. He had a stellar series in 2014-15, hammering 692 runs in eight innings, with the aid of four hundreds. The right-hander scored 282 runs in seven innings during the 2018-19 tour and 78 runs in the Adelaide Test in 2020-21.