Justin Langer expressed “respect” on Friday for Virat Kohli by putting the family first over cricket, while strongly suggesting that Joe Burns would continue to be Australia’s starter in Test 1 against India. India’s captain Kohli and his Bollywood star wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January, and he will return home after the opening test in Adelaide ends on December 21. Given the superstar, the batsman would have to quarantine himself again for 14 days if he heads back to Australia, it seems certain that he will miss the last three tests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
His absence improves Australia’s chances of avenging their home series loss to India two years ago, but it is a blow to broadcasters and fans.
“Virat Kohli is probably the best player I’ve ever seen in my life for many reasons, not just batting, but because of his energy and passion for the game, the way he films,” Langer told reporters by video conference.
“I can’t believe he shows the energy that he does in everything he does and I have a lot of respect for him. I also have respect for him in the sense that he has made this decision (to return at birth).
“He is a human being like all of us … if I were giving advice to any of my players, I would always say never, ever, miss the birth of your children because it is one of the best things you will do.”
Kohli will lead India in three ODIs from late November, three Twenty20 internationals and the first test, a day and night match, before departing.
“Of course it will have an impact (his absence), but we also know that India beat us last time (in 2018-19). They are a very, very good team, we cannot be pleased for a second with or without Virat,” he added. Langer.
‘Pucovski has been incredible’
Australia on Thursday named a 17-man test team that included highly-rated young players Will Pucovski and Cameron Green.
While most of the first XI is locked in, the drums have been ringing for Pucovski to replace Burns as David Warner’s opening partner after hitting two centuries in a row.
“Pucovski has been amazing, hasn’t he? And that’s what we’re looking for. We want the guys that are off the team to hit so hard that you can’t ignore them,” Langer said. “And the fact is, Will has been so good that we can’t ignore him.
“With that said, I’ve also been consistent with the message from last summer, the last time we played test cricket, that we loved the combination of Joe Burns and David Warner.
“They have a real synergy, they work well together, they have chemistry. So at this point I would say it will stay the same.”
Warner, Steve Smith and others who played in the Indian Premier League are now back in Sydney and undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Promoted
It means that the team will not be united until the morning of the first opening day on November 27.
Langer called the situation “challenging” but added: “Everyone is in a great mood and can’t wait for the summer to start, everyone is excited.”
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