Cricket Australia chief confident of a 'fascinating series' despite Virat Kohli's absence

Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley has played down the impact of India captain Virat Kohli missing three Tests of the upcoming four-match Border Gavaskar series. The India skipper will leave Australia after the first Test to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. Anushka Sharma is due to give birth in early January.

The BCCI confirmed the news on Monday, stating that it has granted paternity leave to the India captain. The decision is being considered by many as a blow not only for India but also for Cricket Australia. Reports in Australia are suggesting that Kohli’s absence is a blow to broadcasters and cricket chiefs already feeling the effects of a pandemic-affected year.

However, Hockley has dismissed it and stated that Australia are ‘thrilled’ with Kohli’s participation in the limited-overs series as well as the first Test which will be the first-ever day-night Test between India and Australia. India are also scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is against the hosts before the Tests start on December 17.

“When they announced their pregnancy earlier, I think it was always on the cards,” Cricket Australia interim chief executive Nick Hockley told Sydney radio station SEN.

“We’re thrilled Virat is coming out for three ODIs, three T20s, the first-ever day-night Test against India and we have to respect the fact he wants to be there for the birth of his first child,” he added.

Virat Kohli unlikely to return for later Tests

Hockley has ruled out any possibility of Virat Kohli returning for the later Tests of the series. The second Test starts in Melbourne on December 26 followed by matches in Sydney on January 7 and Brisbane on January 15. The CA chief stated that the current rules which include a mandatory quarantine period will make it tough for Kohli to return to Australia after the birth of his child.

“I think it’s pretty challenged (for him to return). Obviously a mandatory 14-day quarantine period,” he said. “Logistically it’s very much more complicated and being brutal it’s much harder than normal.”

He further admitted Kohli’s absence was a huge disappointment for cricket fans. At the same time, Hockley was quick to state that there would still be a lot to play for in the series in Kohli’s absence. With the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma among the big names set to play the series, Hockley said that the series will be a fascinating one.

“Clearly, (he is) one of the game’s absolute superstars. We’re looking forward to seeing him here for seven out of the 10 matches. You’ve got a good number of players from both sides who played the last series in Australia which India won. There’ll be a huge amount to play for. It will be a fascinating series,” he said.