Selector Angus Fraser says Virat Kohli a challenge for England in ODIs

Virat Kohli

Former England fast bowler and current England selector Angus Fraser has singled out Virat Kohli as the most dangerous among Indian players. Kohli has come under severe criticism for his Test failures recently, scoring 134 runs in 5 matches. But he is widely acknowledged among the best players in the world in ODIs.

He has been fairly consistent in ODIs and scored 71 in yesterday’s one-day practice match against Middlesex. Indian team would be relying on Kohli to inspire them to an ODI series win after they lost the Test series 3-1 despite leading 1-0 after two Tests.

Fraser said both teams had a few problems of their own and would like to use this opportunity to build a squad for World Cup next year.

“England lost to Sri Lanka earlier in the summer and India have just been hurt in the last three weeks, and both the teams will want to correct that. At the same time, they have to start preparations for the World Cup in Australia-New Zealand, and try to identify players who will be suited to the conditions there. So it is a tough balance between winning this series and getting ready for the World Cup, and both sides will be searching for it.”

When asked about the most dangerous Indian players, he named Kohli and Jadeja. “You cannot look further than Virat Kohli. Ravindra Jadeja is another name that comes to mind. But Shikhar Dhawan should do well as he is a fantastic timer of the ball,” he said.