Virat Kohli’s gesture was lauded on social media with Twitteratis posting screenshots of the moment. Here is how Twitter reacted to Kohli’s gesture towards BJ Watling on the last day of his Test career.
Indian captain Virat Kohli’s gesture to BJ Watling on the reserve day of the World Testing Championship final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton has gone viral on Twitter. Watling, who was playing his last day of international cricket, had already announced even before arriving in the UK that the WTC final against India would be his last. Kohli, a true ambassador for the sport, walked up to Watling even before Wednesday’s first ball and shook hands with the New Zealand goalkeeper to wish him luck.
Kohli’s gesture was praised on social media with Twitteratis posting screenshots of the moment.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Virat Kohli’s gesture towards BJ Watling
Kohli, however, would not have imagined that Watling would have a role in his sacking after just 20 minutes of play. New Zealand race leader Kyle Jamieson got one to get away from a good length, Kohli followed him without much movement of the foot, only to give Watling an outside advantage, who swallowed up the easy grip.
Watling, who is New Zealand’s second-most capped test wicket keeper after Adam Parore, led his team on the pitch on the final day of the WTC Final. The rest of the New Zealand cricketers were seen cheering as Watling walked the pitch with gloves in hand for the last time.
Always going under the radar because of his shy nature, Watling has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent performers in the game’s longest format. In his 75 test matches, the right-hander has scored 3,790 runs (so far) with an average of 37.52 which is the 8th best among the all-time test cricket goalkeepers list.
After two full wash-outs on Day 1 and Day 4, the WTC final was stretched on the reserve day (June 23) with a well-laid game. All three results are still possible, but New Zealand have the upper hand after securing the wickets from Kohli and Pujara in India’s second round in the opening 45 minutes on Wednesday.
India was eliminated for 217 after New Zealand urged them to strike first. Ajinkya Rahane was the top scorer with 49. Jamieson was the bowlers pick with five wickets to his name.
In response, Mohammed Shami picked up four wickets while Ishant Sharma got three as India knocked out New Zealand for 349.
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