'Lost the plot': Aussie greats unload on 'embarrassing' Kohli
Mike Hussey and Tom Moody have led a chorus of criticism against Virat Kohli over his antics on day three of the second Test.
Kohli was in the thick of things from go to whoa on Sunday, as his classy century, a debated dismissal and haughty histrionics dominated a drama-packed day.
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Kohli, who marched to the crease on Saturday with India in deep trouble at 2-8, outclassed Australia’s star-studded attack in a composed knock of 123 to help India post a first-innings total of 283.
Australia lost 4-61 in the final session before Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine, unbeaten on 41 and eight respectively, thwarted the prospect of a more-dramatic collapse.
Captains Kohli and Paine swapped terse words at the end of play, having started their spat in the final over of play when India went up for a caught-behind appeal then opted against reviewing.
A fired-up Kohli rode the highs and lows emotively while encouraging Indian teammates and fans in equal measure; passionately gesturing, appealing, celebrating and double-teapotting.
“Virat Kohli is out of control out there,” Hussey said on Macquarie Sports Radio.
“He is revving up the crowd and he is going nuts when they take a wicket.
“I don’t like his attitude at the moment.”
Moody expressed similar disdain.
“Virat Kohli has lost all control of his emotions today. It might be because he is still angry about his dismissal.”
Fans were also less than impressed by the Indian skipper’s ’embarrassing’ antics.
Kohli has lost the plot. He’s embarrassing himself out there #AUSvIND
— Zac Jardine (@zaccyj) December 16, 2018
Good on Michael Hussey for calling out Virat Kohli’s antics. There is a bit of a double standard happening in world cricket at the moment. Australians apparently have to be meek and mild and everyone else can be aggressive @cricketcomau #AUSvIND
— Jim Kelly (@JimKelly20) December 16, 2018
Kohli’s antics are really embarrassing. Have been since forever actually. This time he’s taking on somebody in the crowd? #INDvsAUS
— iErr (@vivekiyer20) December 16, 2018
Kohli can only be considered a legend of the game when he tones down his on field antics. He reminds me of a Jack Russell barking at a bigger dog over a fence. Sure he’s a great player but being Captain requires a bit of class and restraint. He seems to lack both.#AUSvIND
— Donald Griffiths (@dongrif) December 16, 2018
Virat Kohli is undoubtedly a great cricketer but he’s out of control with his on field antics. Something needs to be done to bring him into line as this is way beyond “passion”. #AUSvIND
— Scott Gumbleton (@scottgumbleton) December 16, 2018
He might be the best batsman since Bradman but Kohli’s antics in the field are seriously cringeworthy🤦🏼♂️ #INDvAUS
— Joshua Rule (@joshrule22) December 16, 2018
#Kohli Magic !!! It is the bowler who does all the hard work and takes the wicket but it is the Virat Kohli, who with all his antics, takes the entire camera footage and air time on every fall of wicket. 😉 #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvsIND #AUSvIND #KingKohli pic.twitter.com/pGW6DUICVk
— Suman Saurabh (@sumanfeels) December 16, 2018
Australia coach Justin Langer was diplomatic but terse on SEN, describing Kohli’s antics as “white noise”.
Kohli appeared to welcome Peter Handscomb with a few words.
Earlier, third umpire Nigel Llong agonised over every angle of Handscomb’s slips catch to see whether Kohli’s edge had carried.
Llong eventually decided there wasn’t conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field soft signal and reprieve Kohli, who clearly thought otherwise as he trudged off the field without acknowledging the crowd.
“We thought it was out,” Nathan Lyon said after taking 5-67.
Jasprit Bumrah countered that India “were a little bit surprised by the on-field call” but added “it’s been done, we will move forward”.
Moving day lived up to its reputation at Optus Stadium, where a total of 11 wickets fell as Kohli, Finch, Khawaja and Marcus Harris all copped jarring blows of various severity.
“Whatever we get is going to need to be enough … I’d rather be in the Australian change rooms than India’s,” Lyon said.
with AAP