Virat Kohli's performance in Australia was described as very un-Kohli-like by former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee. Lee claimed on his YouTube channel that Kohli had a bad Test series as a result of Australia's superb bowling strategy. Virat Kohli only 190 runs in 5 Test matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following his century in the opening Test match in Perth, Kohli's form declined as he continued to edge balls outside off stump to the keeper or slips. With a final average of 23.75, Kohli faced criticism for failing to control his natural tendency to play balls in the corridor of uncertainty.
Lee on Kohli
Lee claimed that during his second innings hundred at Perth Stadium, he was hopeful about Kohli's prospects, but that the batter had little chance of success after that.
"For me, it was very Un-Kohli-like, you obviously get batsmen nick off occasionally or theyll do something and theyll make those differences in their actions and techniques but the thing with Virat Kohli. Unfortunately for him, he kept getting out the same way through the whole Test series. I think back to Perth, the second innings where he made a magnificent 100 and I thought okay, hes in going himself in the first innings nicked off but now hes back to his best, 100," Lee said on his YouTube channel.
Lee gave Australia credit for having a brilliant strategy for Virat Kohli. Actually, seamer Scott Boland had discussed the intentions with Virat Kohli in public. Given that Kohli frequently leaves a lot of deliveries early on and then attempts to play the ball after he settles in, Boland had disclosed that Australia had a predetermined strategy for him. Boland responded by saying that after Kohli got in, they moved their line to the fifth stump, which proved to be a very successful strategy during the series.
"But after that, he was very slim pickings for Virat Kohli. I also think Australia had a very valid bowling plan to him, they researched him very very well. I think their preparation was very outstanding but unfortunately for Virat Kohli, he missed out other than one innings in Perth," he added.
However, Lee did not completely rule out Virat Kohli. Although he was unable to score many runs with the bat, Lee maintained that Virat appeared interested throughout the series.
"I dont think so that they were mentally not well prepared. I think Rohit Sharma more than Kohli but I was watching Kohli very very closely throughout the whole series and to me, he [Kohli] looked very engaged, he looked like he was certainly applying all those skills that have made him such a great batsman. And, hes still such a great batsman. But unfortunately for Kohli, he couldnt get those runs," he concluded.