India's star batsman Virat Kohli on Monday said that seeing Australia's aggression and skill set, their performance also improves. He said that just watching Australia gives him the motivation to perform well against them. India is scheduled to play the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval on June 7.
Earlier Virat said in an interview – The Australian team is a very competitive one. If you give them even a small chance, they will attack you with full force. His skill set is fantastic. That's what helps me more to take my game to the next level against him. I have to raise my game to beat them.
Virat likes playing against Australia. In 24 Tests against Australia, he scored 1,979 runs at an average of 48.26, including eight centuries and five half-centuries. His best score against Australia is 186 runs. Virat has played 92 matches across all formats against Australia, scoring 4,945 runs at an average of 50.97. He has scored 16 centuries and 24 half-centuries against Australia.
Virat said that the conditions at The Oval will be tough in the final. "We will not get a flat wicket and the batsmen need to be alert. We need to focus more and play according to the situation and conditions. We will need more focus and discipline while batting," Virat said.
Virat said that in the swing and seam conditions of England, it is important which ball you choose to attack and that is the most difficult part of batting there. Virat said, "The most difficult part in seam and swing conditions in England is to pick the ball that you need to hit, defend or leave. It is important to play with solid technique. Balance is very important while batting. "
Virat said that whichever team is able to adjust to the pitch and conditions, will win the match. He also talked about the rivalry between India and Australia, which is one of the biggest rivalries in cricket. Virat said the rivalry had turned into respect when India won the two-Test series against Australia at home.
"Initially, there was a rivalry between India and Australia, but after winning the two-Test series in Australia, the rivalry has turned into respect. Now when you play against Australia, the respect is there, that they (India) can even beat us." The teams of India and Australia have come face to face in 106 Tests. India has won 32 matches, while Australia has won 44 matches. There have been 29 draws and one tie.
Of the 16 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia since 1996–97, India has won 10, while Australia has won five, with one ending in a draw. Australia topped the WTC table with 11 wins, three losses, and five draws from 19 matches while India finished second with 10 wins, five losses, and three draws.
