XtraTime Web Desk: Commenting on India skipper Virat Kohli’s shocking move of batting first in the second ODI which ended in a tie against the Windies in Visakhapatnam, legendary bowler Ian Bishop backed Kohli by stating that he was trying to take a test of the squad because the Men in Blue only has a few ODI games ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup which will be played in England.
“I can’t really think of any other reason as to why Kohli despite knowing history would do what he did. So, I think he wanted to test his team somehow,” said Bishop, an expert in Star Sports’ Counter Point discussion.
Bishop also feels that the big partnership between Shiron Hetmyer and Shai Hope restricted India from taking a 22-0 lead in the series.
“I agree. His message is quite clear, and the West Indies guys were saying he is a great player, and if I want to be a great player too, this is what I have to do,” he said.
Hope (123 not out off 134 balls) and Hetmyer (94 off 64) shared a brilliant 143-run fourth wicket stand to not only rebuild the West Indian innings but also bring the visitors within sniffing distance of the massive target of 322.
Eventually, the West Indians ended up on a morale-boosting 321, denying the hosts an opportunity to take a 2-0 lead.
The two sides will now face off on Saturday in the third ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.