Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be playing only the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. Kohli will back to India owing to the birth of his first child. He will be using a paternity leave for the occasion about which he had already informed the BCCI in October.
The BCCI made the announcement public a couple of days ago. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia have extended their support towards Kohli saying that they respect his decision and that it should be respected by others as well.
Cricket Australia Opines on Virat Kohli’s Paternity Leave
Cricket Australia interim chief executive Nick Hockley told Sydney radio station SEN that this decision was on the cards and should be respected as well. He also added that they are excited to have Kohli for the limited-overs series and the day-night Test.
“When they announced their pregnancy earlier, I think it was always on the cards. We’re thrilled Virat is coming out for three ODIs, three T20s, the first-ever day-night Test against India and we have to respect the fact he wants to be there for the birth of his first child.”
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Nick Hockley further said that his absence from the three-Test matches will be sad for the cricket fans but family responsibility comes first.
“Clearly, (he is) one of the game’s absolute superstars. We’re looking forward to seeing him here for seven out of the 10 matches. It would be unlikely for Kohli to return for the later Tests”, said Hockley.
India would leave for Australia on November 11. After reaching Sydney they will be under a 14-day quarantine period. The series starts with the first ODI on November 27.
The first of the four Tests will be played in Adelaide from December 17 to 21. Melbourne will host the Boxing Day Test from December 26-30. Sydney will host the third (January 7-11) and Brisbane (January 15-19) the fourth and final Test match.
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