If the cricketing world hasn't learned one important lesson, it is to not mess with Virat Kolhi.
The drama began In the 12th over of India's first T20 game against the West Indies when a waist high full toss from Jason Holder, which Kohli dispatched to the boundary, left him livid with anger as the square leg umpire Nitin Menon refused to declare it a beamer. Next came the verbal exchange with Kesrick Williams with whom he has a score to settle since 2017 in Jamaica.
With India chasing 208 Kohli was struggling with 20 runs off the first 20 balls and finished with 94 off 50, his highest score in T20Is, and India's second-highest successful chase in the format. This was another masterclass from Kohli. Is he the best modern day batsmen? I would agree. I remember a similar incident when I got Adam Glichrist out in Perth. During the lunch interval I asked my team mates what the fuss was all about. I think he overheard me because in the second innings he battered me with four sixes in an over.
The second T20 was a different ball game. India were doing very well in the first 10 overs at 93/2. You normally look to double your total after the 10th over in India because of the flat slow pitches. West Indies bowled with intelligence in the last 8 overs with only 55 runs being scored. The slow nature of the pitch made the cutters and slower balls effective. Even with a score of 170/8 you would expect India to win but that wasn't to be.
India are vulnerable when the pitch is slow and dew is a factor to reckon with. Their fielding was poor and the dropped catches cost India dearly. Even in the last five overs India was in the game with 44 runs to defend but West Indies managed to win with ease. If teams are looking to win in India over the next world cup, here's a likely winning recipe - win the toss and put India in to bat. If the pitch is slow and dew is a factor you might fancy your chances against them!
Tribute to Bob Willis
Like the rest of the cricketing world I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Bob Willis. He was fighting an aggressive form of prostate cancer for three years. His close friend Sir Ian Botham was at his bedside during his last moments. Bob Willis will be remembered for his famous 8/43 in England's win in Headingley. He moved to commentating soon after his playing days and worked alongside the likes of Sir Ian Botham and David Gower.
He later worked as a pundit on Sky Sports' Cricket Debate and The Verdict.
He was often critical of modern players which could be misunderstood by the public.
Bob Willis had a funny side to him. With bared teeth he once told the current captain Joe Root that he would "have him back in the dock" after Root did an impersonation of him during the 2015 Ashes.
During the few times I met him Bob was always kind and polite. He made The Verdict his own programme on Sky Sports. When I played for England I always looked forward to The Verdict and watched the programme in my hotel room. The next day, my team mates would discuss his comments and have a laugh about his harsh but honest comments. I remember Bob saying on The Verdict: "Monty is a good bowler but he can't field or bat. I've got a better chance of catching a cold than Monty taking a catch." I couldn't stop laughing at his comment.
During the forthcoming boxing day Test match in South Africa, England players will be wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect and memory of the great Bob Willis.
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