Courtesy: BCCI/X
Glenn McGrath, the former Australian fast bowler, gave his thoughts on the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series between India and Australia, which is set to begin with the first match at the Optus Stadium in Perth from Friday, November 22 onwards. Ahead of the series, the 54-year-old remarked that Virat Kohli “is quite an emotional player” before suggesting the Australian players put him and the rest of his Indian teammates under pressure, especially after their recent run of poor results at home in Tests.
Following the Test series whitewash at the hands of New Zealand by a 0-3, their first Test series defeat at home in 12 years, the Indian cricket team have their task cut out if they want to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Lord’s in London next year. Glenn McGrath alluded to the Indian performance in Tests against New Zealand in his recent interview with Fox Cricket, which could be quite a weapon for Australia to feed on, during the BGT Test series.
You’ve got plenty of ammunition to back yourself up: Glenn McGrath on Australian players sledging
“Without a doubt, especially after coming off a 3-0 loss against New Zealand, you’ve got plenty of ammunition to back yourself up,” said Glenn McGrath, as quoted by CODE Sports, about India’s home Test series loss in regards to Australians potentially sledging them for it. He also pointed out that the pressure of the performance is currently on the Indian players, so their Aussie counterparts could try to get under their skin and see whether they are ready for it.
Glenn McGrath also shifted his attention to Virat Kohli, and spoke about the emotional side of things in regards to his play, which can put him in a vulnerable state, especially with a string of low scores currently. He said, “I think he’s (Virat Kohli) probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it. I think he’s quite an emotional player. When he’s up, he’s up, and when he’s down, he sort of struggles a little bit.
The Indian cricket team already had a couple of big setbacks after arriving in Perth for the first Test with their star middle order batter reportedly ruled out of the match due to a finger injury, which would mean a promotion to difficult number three slot for Virat Kohli once again.
