XtraTime Web Desk: There are a lot of controversies whether Virat Kohli should have enforced the follow-on against Australia during day 3 of the third Test after they bowled the visitors out on 151 runs. Despite of having a lead of 292 runs India skipper Virat Kohli decided to bat again and didn’t enforce the follow-on. After that Pat Cummins’s fiery spell happened and he took the wickets of Hanuma Vihari (13), Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli for a duck. He didn’t stop with it and lastly picked the wicket of India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for 1. At stumps the Men in Blue were at 54/5 and they had a lead of 346 runs in the second innings.
Many cricket pundits have opened up about Kohli’s decision. Here are their comments about Kohli’s decision. Legendary Australian cricketer Allan Border looked surprised with Kohli’s decision of not enforcing the follow-on. Since Kohli has taken up Test captaincy, India have enforced follow-on five times – they won four by an innings while one was a rain-truncated draw against Bangladesh.
“I was really surprised that follow-on wasn’t enforced given that talking about high percentage of rain on Day 5 and even tomorrow some rain. So just with that lurking in the background, I thought you’ve got all the momentum you way, you’ve bowled Australia out and Bumrah has been fantastic. You’ve only bowled like what 67 overs so I thought you could mix and match your bowlers this afternoon and get them freshen over the night and attack Australia in the morning.
“So they could have had the game just about done today and even if you gotta chase, say Australia have batted extraordinarily well and you’ve got to chase 120-140, this pitch here can get those runs. Look I thought India missed an opportunity to really seal the game but they’ve still got the higher ground,” Border further said.
While Fox Sports commentator Mike Hussey was supportive of Kohli’s call, saying it made sense to force Australia to bat last on a dodgy pitch, former Australia captain Ian Chappell disagreed.
Speaking exclusively with Wide World of Sports, Chappell said while he understood Kohli’s perspective, the India captain should’ve taken the looming Melbourne rain into account over the next couple of days.
“I would have favoured enforcing the follow on, if you’ve got a psychological advantage you take it,” said Chappell.
“The down side to not enforcing the follow-on is exactly what happened to India, you lose quick wickets and suddenly you have to defend after being in charge of the game.
“I can see his side of the argument he was hoping they would tire out the Australian bowlers for Sydney but unfortunately it’s backfired on him.”
Former Indian cricketer Ashok Malhotra though thinks differently. While talking to www.xtratime.in he said,” After 2001 Kolkata Test match between India and Australia all the captains have changed their mindset. No one wants to bat in the fourth innings and beside that most of the pacers already bowled 13 or 14 overs and they were a bit tired as well. Though the Indian batsmen failed in the second innings but it would still be an easy win for the visitors. Yes there is a threat of rain but it won’t be raining for two days.”