Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes the Indian skipper Virat Kohli made a statement by not sending a nightwatchman after the dismissal of Rohit Sharma’s wicket just at the stroke of stumps. Rohit decided not to offer a shot against Tim Southee and he was trapped in front of the wickets.

Southee was able to set up the experienced Indian opener by bowling a spate of outswingers and then got the ball to move back into the right-hander. It was quality bowling from the New Zealand pack leader as Rohit once again could not convert his start into a substantial score.

Meanwhile, Kohli played 12 balls before the stumps were called by the umpire. On the other hand, as Kohli decided to come and bat at his usual position of number four, it gave a chance to Ishant Sharma (India’s potential nightwatchman) to take some rest and put his feet up.

Ishant had bowled 25 overs in the first innings and scalped three wickets. Furthermore, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah had also bowled 26 overs each.

Brad Hogg said while talking on his YouTube channel, “India lost two quick wickets last night. Rohit Sharma, just before stumps, was a crucial wicket for New Zealand to get. But, the one thing I liked about that one particular moment was Virat Kohli not going for the nightwatchman when he could have. In tough conditions, he went out and led his troops from the front. He wanted to make a statement to New Zealand bowlers that he was not scared of them. He was not shy and wanted to set himself up for a big innings today.”

Hogg added that Virat Kohli will hold the key to India’s chances if they are to set up a win in Southampton.

“This Test match is alive and well. I think that there is going to be a result at the end of it. There is plenty of cricket to be played today. There is going to be sunshine around and, finally, we are going to get a full day’s play. New Zealand is in the box seat for me.”

India currently leads by 32 runs but the match is leading towards a draw unless we see something dramatic.