The brash captain is a character worlds apart from the icon whose place in India’s hearts he has inherited, but he proves similarly beguiling in crushing EnglandVirat Kohli is a son of Delhi but, at 3pm on Saturday, as the ball burst through the hands of a diving Ben Stokes at cover and the India captain scampered through for a single, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai erupted in a way that suggested adoption papers from the city may soon be forthcoming.Here was Kohli, the bristling embodiment of a confident modern India, notching his 15th Test century and celebrating in fitting fashion. The leap in the air, the swift removal of the helmet, the circling of the bat to all parts...
The Lancashire wicketkeeper also plays for Mumbai Indians and used his knowledge of the Wankhede Stadium to play a knock that suggests he can still play a part in red-ball cricketLocal knowledge can go a long way in a bustling city such as Mumbai. Black and yellow taxis, for example, cost far less than the blue and silver ones, with the sole difference between the two being air-conditioning when simply winding down the window works fine.Heading to the cricket? The ticket office is at Gate Two but booking online is the way to go. Rucksacks should be left at the hotel, water bottles will similarly be confiscated, while sun cream and cameras are touch‑and‑go items depending on the mood of...
His England status could become less certain after the tour of India but the all-rounder’s charity work helps him keep sporting issues in perspectiveMoeen Ali could, in theory, go into the fourth Test starting on Thursday feeling a bit of heat given the manner of his two dismissals during the eight-wicket defeat in Mohali.There is also the fact that Adil Rashid, his fellow spin-bowler, is enjoying a breakthrough series with the ball that, come the English summer, could mean Moeen’s place in the side becomes more scrutinised. Related: Keaton Jennings puts the accent on runs as England’s Mumbai Test looms Continue reading...
Young batsman owes his heady rise to the no-nonsense coaching of his South African father and is unfazed by the prospect of opening against IndiaIf Keaton Jennings bats with the same composure and confidence as he speaks then England may be on to something. He was presented to the press at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday after a training session in which he batted – and bowled – for a long time.Currently England are more interested in his batting. The universal expectation is that Jennings will become Alastair Cook’s new opening partner, though he did not fall into the trap of assuming that would be the case when he walked into the press room with a ready smile, an unmistakably South...
Hampshire all-rounder admits shock at being drafted into squad while Durham opener will go straight into side to face India in the fourth TestThere is a mountain for England to climb whatever the formbook might say. Recent history suggests they have a better chance of winning here than anywhere else in India since they have been victorious in their past two Tests at the Wankhede Stadium.In 2012, they won by 10 wickets after Kevin Pietersen had played one of the innings of the decade, 186 from 233 balls, during which he overwhelmed Ravi Ashwin on a turning track; meanwhile Alastair Cook hit 122, a knock that was merely excellent. In 2006, England won by 212 runs after Rahul Dravid had...