“In a fourth innings chase, he goes and...” - Steve Harmison huge statement on Virat Kohli’s experience ahead of ENG vs IND 4th Test

Former England fast-bowler Steve Harmison noted that although India has impressive individual performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, it’s England who currently have the advantage in the series. He highlighted that India has more centuries, higher top-order contributions, and more success with the new ball, yet England leads the five-match series 2-1.

In the third Test at Lord’s, India had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Chasing just 193 in the final innings, they looked in control. However, the batting lineup crumbled under pressure and was bowled out for 170, handing England a crucial win.

Reflecting on the loss, Harmison felt that the absence of Virat Kohli made a big difference. Harmison thinks Kohli’s calmness and experience in tense run-chases could have influenced the result at Lord’s. He feels that with Kohli in the lineup, India might have handled the pressure better and secured a win in the third Test at the historic ground.

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Harmison Believes Kohli Could've Changed Outcome:

Harmison feels that the presence of Virat Kohli could have made a significant difference in India's chase during the fourth innings. He believes Kohli’s experience and composure in pressure situations would have helped guide the team to a successful run chase, especially with such a modest target. According to him, Kohli’s absence was felt during India’s batting collapse at Lord’s.

In ESPNcricinfo Match Day, he said, “ India has scored more hundreds, more top-order runs, and more new ball wickets, but England has got a knack of finding a way to win. Finding a way of creating an event throughout a session to change the course of the game. For me, India has to start believing. This is where the likes of Virat Kohli were unbelievable. In a fourth innings chase, he goes and wins the game comfortably. He would have won that game comfortably at Lord's.”

The fourth Test of the series will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, beginning Wednesday, July 23. India must win this match to stay in the race for the series title. However, the venue hasn’t been kind to them historically—India has played nine Tests at Old Trafford and is yet to register a victory, making this a crucial and challenging encounter.