Perth, Australia

Ace India batter Virat Kohli has struggled to score Test runs in bulk for the past five years, something he enjoyed doing for most of his career. And with him touring Australia at 36, his reflexes and limitations are probably more exposed to everyone, which the hosts would like to bank on and keep him quiet throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. Former Australia great Glenn McGrath has suggested something similar.

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As India and Australia gear up for the five-match Test series starting November 22 in Perth, all eyes will be on Kohli, who loves playing Down Under and has scored hundreds at almost all venues scheduled to host matches this time.

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India's star batter had a horrid time against New Zealand during the recently concluded home Tests, scoring just 93 runs across six innings, and the team lost the series 0-3. Down on form, if not technically, Kohli will aim to get to his best against his favourite Test opponent.

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Speaking on the same lines, McGrath said as much as Kohli loves playing against the Oz, the hosts must target ‘emotional and down’ Kohli in their quest to win the BGT.

"But I think he's probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could really feel it. I think he's quite an emotional player. When he's up, he's up, and when he's down, he sort of struggles a little bit," McGrath said, as quoted by Fox Sports.

The legendary seamer, however, also warned the hosts of Kohli’s turnaround in form should he win the war of words.

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"If they go hard at him, if he gets in the fight with emotions, there's a bit of chat out there, who knows, he might sort of lift," McGrath further added.

Australia is ready for India challenge

Having lost Test series to India four times since the past decade, Australia is hungrier to turn the tables around this time, and with India down on confidence, McGrath feels it’s the right time to catch them by their throat. 

"Without a doubt, especially after coming off a 3-0 loss against New Zealand, you've got plenty of ammunition to back yourself up. So put the pressure on them and see if they're up for it," he added.

Meanwhile, for India to directly qualify for the WTC Final 2025, they must beat Australia 4-0 or better; otherwise, they will have to rely on other teams’ results to cruise ahead.

(With inputs from agencies)