Virat Kohli should play County cricket: Ian Botham
Ian Botham, who is also the chairman of Durham, says that he would be happy to sign Virat Kohli for his side.
New Delhi: Former England cricketer Ian Botham believes that India Test skipper Virat Kohli should play County cricket, in order to improve his batting on English pitches.
Kohli has been on blistering form, scoring 1,215 runs from 12 Tests in 2016. Although he has not been able to break into the ICC Test Team of the Year, Kohli is currently ranked as the second best batsman in the Test cricket, after Australia captain Steve Smith.
However, Botham believes that Kohli is yet to prove himself in English conditions.
“One thing Virat will want to do is score runs in England. He averages 14 there,” Botham was quoted as saying to India Today. “So he would want to put that right. He is a winner and wants to put that to bed.”
Botham, who is also the chairman of County side Durham, said that he would like to sign Kohli in his side.
“As chairman of Durham, if he wants to come play for Durham, I can arrange that tomorrow. I would love him to come and play for Durham. I will definitely have a chat with him before I leave,” said Botham.
“I honestly don't know how we will fit it in his schedule. It's so packed,” he continued. “But it goes back to what I was saying that that's the kind of guy he is, he wants to dominate everywhere he goes.”