Australia to exploit Virat Kohli’s never-ending weakness in the second ODI

Australia’s Matthew Short expects pace duo Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to once again challenge Virat Kohli outside the off stump in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

After falling for a duck in the opening match in Perth, Kohli will be determined to respond at a venue where he’s enjoyed consistent success. The Adelaide Oval has been one of his most productive overseas grounds, boasting five international hundreds and an impressive average of 65 across formats.

“I’m not part of the fast-bowling discussions, but that does appear to be the way he’s been getting dismissed,” Short told reporters.

“Players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have faced him plenty of times and understand how to bowl to him. In Perth, they let the conditions work in their favour with some swing and movement off the pitch, so I expect they’ll adopt a similar approach again.”

India enjoyed massive support at the Optus Stadium during the first ODI, with a crowd of 42,423 gathered to witness the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after a seven-month absence.

The former skippers were back in action for the national side for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy win on 9 March.

“When Rohit and Shubman Gill got out the other day in Perth and Kohli walked in, the crowd erupted. As the batter was heading back, you would feel a bit gutted,” Short added.

Australia’s stand-in captain, Mitchell Marsh, guided his side to a seven-wicket victory with an unbeaten 46 in Perth. With India now trailing 0–1 in the series, Thursday’s clash becomes a must-win encounter to keep the series alive.