New Delhi: Just as India extended its lead beyond the 200-mark, Moeen Ali scalped the precious wicket of skipper Virat Kohli, yet again, exposing his vulnerability against the English off-spinner, on Day 4 of the fourth Test at Kennington Oval Sunday.
That makes him the third contemporary bowler to pick Kohli 10 times. Jimmy Anderson and Tim Southee are the other two. And the only spinner of the three.
This also strengthens the suspicion over his technique against off-spin. Australian Nathan Lyon has also picked him seven times.
Soon after Kohli’s wicket fell, many fans and critics were quick to point out on social media how he continues to struggle against Ali’s spin. The latter has dismissed Kohli four times alone this year.
What's it with Moeen Ali and Kohli – India or England, doesn't change the destiny for Kohli !
— The 90s Clan 🏏 (@the90sclan) September 5, 2021
Earlier in February this year, during England’s tour of India, the off-spinner bowled the Indian skipper for a duck, followed by an LBW in the second innings of the second Test match in Chennai. So much so, that former England captain Michael Vaughan joked on Twitter that the wicket in the first innings was similar to his dismissal of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2002.
Getting an Indian legend bowled through the gate isn’t that difficult as an off spinner !!! #JustSaying #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 13, 2021
Months later, Kohli is yet to find a hack for Ali.
Kohli, arguably one of the batting legends of contemporary cricket, has grappled to find his natural self in this series, as he often got out in 40s mostly at the hands of Ollie Robinson (three times), followed by Anderson (twice) in the ongoing Test series. Just how good he is, shows in the fact that even when out of sorts and seemingly playing from memory, he’s got a couple of 50s and 40s each at crucial points.
Also read: 4th Test, Day 3: Rohit checks another box with overseas 100, but goes before sealing the match