Surprised by Kohli’s decision to skip Afghanistan Test: Clarke

TIL Desk Sports/ Surprised by Virat Kohli’s decision to skip the Afghanistan Test, Australia’s World Cup winning captain Michael Clarke feels the Indian skipper should fly back from Surrey to play the historic one-off Test in Bengaluru.

The Indian captain has decided to give the landmark June 14-18 Test a miss to prepare for the England tour by playing for Surrey in the County Championship, a decision that has evoked mixed response. Clarke said he always prioritised playing Test cricket, irrespective of the opposition.

“I am really surprised… I don’t know why, it’s Virat’s choice. I think a Test match is a Test match. I don’t care who we play against. It has to be your number one priority,” Clarke said at the session organised by the Indian Chambers of Commerce, in Kolkata.

“To represent your country is the most special feeling in the world. I would like to see him fly back and play the Test, a bit of gap in the schedule which can allow him to do that,” Clarke added.