Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Virat Kohli to play a practice match before England Test series

Former Indian Test opener Navjot Singh Sidhu believes Virat Kohli will certainly play a practice match before the England Test series. Kohli will hold the key for India in the five-match Test series against the Three Lions as he has all the experience of playing in English conditions.

The veteran batter didn’t have a great run on the Australia tour, managing only 190 runs in five Test matches at an average of 23.75 as India suffered a 1-3 series loss. However, Kohli will be determined to turn the tables in the red-ball format on the England tour.

The right-hander recently scored 218 runs in five matches of the Champions Trophy at an average of 54.50 and a strike rate of 82.89.

Sidhu said on Sports Tak, “Virat Kohli will also go there. He will surely play a practice match there before 15 days of the series, even if it is against a county team, because you need to adapt yourself according to the conditions.”

The former Indian batter urged the selectors to consider players like Karun Nair, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane in the India A team for the England tour.

Sidhu added, “If you don’t take five players from domestic cricket, there are guys like Karun Nair, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. Is it mandatory for them to play in the IPL? You take them and build the India A team beforehand. Have a few days of net practice there, and then play matches. You ask them for the schedule and tell them we want to play these matches.”

The opening Test between England and India will be played at the Headingley, Leeds from June 20 onwards.