Virat Kohli is doing wonders for Test-match cricket: Michael Vaughan

Virat Kohli’s record-breaking knock at the Wankhede Stadium on Day four has earned him more loyal fans. After coming in early on day three, Kohli smashed his way to 235 and help India not only to leapfrog England’s total of 400 but also take a massive 231-run lead. His batting effort created a storm in the social media and every everyone was admiring his classy knock.

One of the admirers was former England captain Michael Vaughan who was felt that Kohli is doing wonders for Test cricket. He states that the Kohli played the role of a crowd magnet who pulled the crowd in masses to watch his batting. He also spoke about England’s approach in the second innings and the atmosphere at the ground as well.

“Virat Kohli is doing wonders for Test-match cricket. MS Dhoni didn’t take it too seriously,” Michael Vaughan said on BBC Test Match Special. “It’s the first time I’ve been to India and seen a crowd like this for a long time.“ Speaking about England’s tactics in the second innings, where they decided to attack the bowlers, despite losing three key wickets before tea on day two, Vaughan admitted that they did the right thing.

“It’s been so entertaining. It’s full-scale attack from England – reverse sweeps, lap slogs, dancing down the pitch. Full credit to them – they’ve had a real good go in the second innings. They’ve done the right thing, putting a few men on the boundary by playing shots. It is beautiful variations that Ashwin has. What a day India have had but you’ve got to give England credit for the way they’ve played,” the former English skipper said.

The former skipper also admitted that having lost six wickets already and still trailing, England aren’t well placed in the game and it is something that he predicted earlier in the day as well. “I don’t think it will be long tomorrow – it won’t be easy on this wicket,” he added.

In his role as a columnist for the Telegraph, he also had some advice for current captain Cook, who he believes can stay on as captain but needs to learn to delegate responsibilities to other key members of the side. The 42-year-old admitted that England are “so close to being a very good side” but they need to allow the younger players to take more responsibility.

“Alastair Cook could stay on as captain for another year or so but if that happens he needs to allow other players to lead the team. It is so obvious Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler are the new leadership group with strong cricket brains, and are good under pressure. These guys will be around for at least the next five years in Test cricket, if not longer, so they should be allowed to mould how the team plays going forward,” he added.