Experienced India batter Virat Kohli looked to fine-tune his technique in the nets ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On December 24, he batted on the fresh practice pitches provided at the MCG. During the practice session, he asked pacers Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna to bowl to him outside off stump. Kohli has been edging the ball to wicketkeeper or slip cordon in an attempt play the cover drive or take his bat out of the way when there is extra bounce on offer.
Kohli also asked them to bowl faster. He often complimented them for bowling well and practiced shouldering arm so that the bowler does not find an edge even if there is extra bounce.
Kohli's dismissals in last two Tests
The 36-year-old scored a century in the series opener at the Perth Stadium. This was his first Test century of the year 2024. However, after that he has registered single-digit scores. In the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, he edged one off Starc and then Josh Hazlewood's replacement Scott Boland. In the Gabba Test, he got driving the ball towards cover against Hazlewood. He did not get to bat in the second innings as rain played spoilsport.
Rohit backs Kohli to figure it out
In the pre-match press conference, skipper Rohit Sharma was asked whether he is concerned about Kohli's form.
You only said he is a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their way or the path (to overcome issues)," Rohit told the reporters after the practice session on December 24.
Kohli's record at MCG
Kohli has played three Tests at the MCG. He has scored 316 runs from six innings at an average of 52.66. His 169-run knock in 2014 came in a draw. In 2018, he scored 82 runs followed by a four-ball duck. India won the Test by 137 runs as Jasprit Bumrah bagged nine wickets including a six-fer.
The Indian team has a good record at the MCG of late. They have not lost a Test at the venue since 2011. On the last two occassions, India have registered comprehensive wins.