There have been only a few cricketers who played the cover drive as elegantly as former English cricketer Ian Bell. England batter with 118 Test caps would pierce the field with the precision of a surgeon. However, years after his retirement from international cricket, Bell has rated Virat Kohli’s cover drive as the best. He even said that he wants his kids watch Kohli as much possible not just for his drives but hoe he approaches the game.
“It's very hard to look past Virat Kohli, that is for sure. Not just his cover drive, but the way he plays, his desire for batting, his desire actually in competition and how he goes about his cricket.
“When he plays his cover drive, whatever format of the game, it's a good one to watch. You know, my kids who love cricket, I certainly get them watching as much cricket from Virat Kohli as possible,” the 42-year-old told PTI.
Bell impressed with India’s record at home
Bell hailed India’s dominance at home and said that facing them is the biggest challenge for England. He also pointed out that England were the last team to win a Test series on Indian soil under the captaincy of Alastair Cook.
“I'm sure they've got one eye on the next 12 months, which has five Test matches (against) India at home, which will be a huge challenge,” he said.
“India are probably the best team in the world at the moment, and then, Australia away. Those 10 Test matches on the road will be hugely important for that group of players and something they're gearing themselves up for.
“We were the last team to win in India, which was obviously (a) part of the journey to get to No 1 and we won in Australia. For this England side to get to No 1, there’s no doubt, ability and talent-wise, they have that,” said the Warwickshire-born batter.
Not just India's record at home, Bell lauded Team India for their performances in overseas conditions which contributed in them being the no.1 ranked team in the format.
“That's what we've seen with India at the moment. They've managed to be able to win away from home as much as anyone and that's the reason why they are the No 1 team in the world at the moment,” he added further.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
'I'm not afraid of getting hit for a six': Nathan Lyon ready for Rishabh Pant challenge, chalks out plan to dismiss him in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
