Virat Kohli in action against Australians in the ongoing Test series.
© AP
New Delhi: Dean Jones may be the only Australian who is currently impressed by Virat Kohli's fiery brand of cricket. The former batsman feels the Indian vice-captain's aggression is a sign that the team has a hunger to be the best and nothing short of it. (Day 4 Report | Scorecard | Highlights)
Speaking to NDTV on Monday, Jones said all legends have an attitude and there is no wrong in an Indian being the same way. "It is the Indian youth coming through. Maybe they want to be the best in the world and are pushing boundaries," said Jones. "Michael Jordan had a bit of arrogance. Greg Norman, Tiger Woods all had it and so, why not an Indian?" (Kohli, Johnson Battle Sets up Day 5)
Kohli was bombarded with words on Day Three (Sunday) of the third Test. The batsman doled out words in equal measure and intensity en route to scoring 169 - an innings which was praised Jones who himself scored 11 Test centuries. "Kohli's almost more Australian than Indian and I like that," said Jones. "He likes to get into the opposition's face and likes to play that way. I have no problems with that. I also love his comments."
Jones also said that Kohli's aggression was a major departure from how Indians played earlier.
"In the past, Indians were quite happy to do the right thing for everyone and keep in calm waters. (But) I like the new attitude and may be Kohli is the example of India's youth," he said. (Also read: Gavaskar says Kohli's rage can hurt India )
However, aggression alone won't win India - trailing 2-0 - the Melbourne Test. Australia are leading by 326 runs with three wickets in hand. While chasing a huge total on the final day won't be easy, the tourists will have to win the match to save the four-Test series. Kohli, the main-stay of the batting line-up, will have to once again battle quality bowling and aggression if India are to pull one back ahead of the final clash in Sydney which starts on January 6, 2015.
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