Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has urged the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc to exploit Virat Kohli’s recent form slump and target his front pad with straighter impact balls. Healy believes that this strategy could put Kohli’s forward defense to the test, as he has only averaged 22.72 in his six Test matches this season.
Healy also suggests that the bowlers should consider body smashes if the first matchup fails, as Kohli is known for using hook and pull strokes to counter the bowling. Healy recommends bowling at the back armpit and having a short leg position right next to him on the leg side.
Kohli has historically dominated red-ball cricket in Australia, scoring six hundreds from 13 Test matches and averaging 54.08. However, Healy believes that the Australian pace trio has the potential to unsettle Kohli and put him under pressure.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22. Healy’s advice to the Australian bowlers could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
