Ian Healy Advises Australian Bowlers To Target Virat Kohli's Front Pads In Test Series

Ian Healy, a well-known Australian wicketkeeper, has offered strategic advice to his country's fast bowlers for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Healy suggests using different tactics against Virat Kohli, who remains a key player despite a recent dip in form.

The series, consisting of five Tests, begins in Perth on Friday. Kohli, even with his recent struggles, boasts an impressive average of 54.0 in Australia. Healy believes that targeting Kohli's front foot could be crucial for Australia's pace attack.

Healy advises bowlers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc to focus on Kohli's front pad. "The first matchup I'm looking at is how our quicks can bowl to Virat Kohli, and I think they should target his front pad quite often," Healy mentioned on SEN Radio.

This tactic aims to expose any insecurities in Kohli's form. Healy points out that Kohli tends to plant his front foot early and can play shots all around the wicket. However, he warns against overusing this strategy as Kohli might adapt quickly.

"Don't do it every ball because he'll get used to it... it's the impact ball that has to be on the front pad after he is set up with seam," Healy advised. This approach seeks to keep Kohli guessing and potentially exploit any weaknesses.

If focusing on the front foot doesn't work, Healy suggests a more aggressive tactic: body bashing. "If that's front-foot tactic not working, body bash," he stated. The bowlers should aim at Kohli's back armpit to make him uncomfortable.

He elaborated by saying, "Have him jumping at times if he wants to ride those deliveries -- ducking, weaving or bending backwards." This method aims to disrupt Kohli's rhythm and force him into mistakes under pressure.

Additionally, Healy recommends placing a short leg fielder close to Kohli on the leg side. This setup could tempt him into risky hook or pull shots at deliveries aimed at badge height, which are difficult to control.

The Australian pace attack must implement these strategies effectively to contain one of India's most formidable batsmen. With the series about to start, all eyes will be on how these tactics play out on the field.