WATCH: Naseer Hussain recalls upon his favourite memory of Virat Kohli in Test match cricket

India vs England 5-match Test series is starting today, Friday, 20 June, in Leeds. This series is being launched with a new name – the Tendulkar-Anderson Series. Before the start of the series, former England cricketer and commentator Nasser Hussain praised one player a lot. His statement about Virat Kohli is getting a lot of attention.

Nasser Hussain also said that while he has many favourite moments between England and India, the one he remembers the most is how the Indian team became a mirror image of then-captain Virat Kohli during the 2021 Lord’s Test. In that match, England lost to India by a big margin of 151 runs.

Virat Kohli, who was part of Team India during the last tour, is not playing this time. The 36-year-old batsman said goodbye to his favourite format, Test cricket, last month. His decision left his fans disappointed.

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'It is important to note that Virat was one of the biggest supporters of Test cricket during the rise of T20 cricket.' Speaking to Sky Sports before the first Test, former England cricketer and commentator Nasser Hussain spoke about Kohli's impact on the longest format of the game. He said that Virat Kohli gave a lot to Test cricket.

What Nasser Hussain said

"It was great to hear what he said about Test cricket after winning the IPL. He told the next generation how they can make a name in Test cricket. I remember the ECB asked me something the next day — what is your favourite India vs England moment in history. There have been many, but one that stayed with me the most was from the 2021 Lord’s Test," Hussain said.

"He was in the huddle on the final day. England were trying to chase a target. Virat was motivating every Indian player, asking them to attack England’s batting for 60 overs. That’s exactly what they did. They attacked and played with intensity. The team looked like a mirror image of Kohli – full of energy and passion. Test cricket was so much better when Virat played."

Hussain recalled how players like Siraj, Bumrah, and Shami played with aggression, reflecting Kohli’s character on the field.

He added, "We will move on. We moved on from Gavaskar to Tendulkar, then to Kohli, and maybe now to Gill. But Kohli gave a lot to the game of cricket. Fans and experts may move on, but his impact in Test cricket will always be remembered."