WTC Final 2023: With just two days left before India’s World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval from June 7 onwards, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli sat down for an interview with Star Sports on Monday. When asked about the Australian side and his record against them, Kohli said, “Australian team is a very competitive side that if you give them even a small window, they will come very hard at you and capitalise. Their skill set is really high. That is the reason my motivation increases even more and I had to take my game to the next level against them. I have to rise and elevate my game against Australia to beat them.”
Virat indeed loves playing against Australia. In 24 Tests against Australia, he has scored 1,979 runs at an average of 48.26, with eight tons and five fifties. His best score is 186. Across all formats against Australia, Virat has played 92 matches, in which he has scored 4,945 runs at an average of 50.97. His best score is 186. He has scored 16 centuries and 24 fifties against Aussies.
Virat Kohli on adapting to the conditions at the Oval and the India-Australia rivalry
Virat said that the conditions at The Oval will be tough in the final.
“We would not get a flat wicket and batters need to be cautious. We need more focus and have to adapt to the situation and conditions. We will need more focus and discipline while batting,” added Virat.
The batter said that in swinging and seaming conditions of England, it is important how you choose the ball to attack and it is the toughest part of batting there.
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“The toughest part about in seaming and swing conditions in England is about choosing the ball you need to hit, defend or leave. Playing with solid technique is important. The balance is very important while batting,” said Virat.
Virat said that “Adaptability is the key” during the WTC final.
“Whichever team is able to adjust and adapt to the conditions, the pitch will win the match,” added Virat.
Virat also talked about the rivalry between India and Australia, which is one of the most fierce rivalries of the sport, no matter the game is being played in India, Australia or a neutral venue.
The batter said that after India won two-Test series against Australia in their own backyard, the rivalry turned to respect.
“In the beginning, the rivalry was seen between India and Australia. But after we won two-Test series in Australia, the Rivalry has turned into Respect. Now when you play against Australia, The respect is visible, that they (India) beat us back-to-back in Tests,” said Virat.
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