David Lloyd praises ‘pantomime villain’ Virat Kohli’s gesture towards Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow

David Lloyd has praised Virat Kohli for his gesture towards England duo Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow after the conclusion of the fifth Test at Edgbaston.

Kohli did spice up the affair as he was involved in a verbal spat with Bairstow during England’s first innings. However, the English batter was fired up after the altercation and went on to score a fine hundred. The 32-year-old scored another ton in the second innings as the hosts registered a resounding seven-wicket win.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, the former England coach Lloyd praised the Indian players for recognizing the job done by Root and Bairstow to secure the win. He also reserved a special mention for Kohli for having a word with both players after the game. Lloyd also said that the former Indian captain plays a ‘pantomime villain’ at times.

“I thought the on-field scenes at the conclusion of the game were glorious, with India’s players congratulating Root and Jonny Bairstow and recognizing the epic job they had done. Special mention for Virat Kohli who at times plays the pantomime villain, but who had a special word with both players. I like that,” said Lloyd.

However, Lloyd said that he wonders where the line is drawn as Day four of the fifth Test had everything from sportsmanship to abuse. The former coach also said that players should take up cage fighting if they have the urge to engage with another one during a match.

“Having said that, I do wonder where the line is and who draws it. Sportsmanship, banter, boorish behaviour, insults, abuse we saw everything on day four.”

“Cricket is a non-contact sport, but if a player feels the need to engage another, my advice is: take up cage fighting and have a proper go. Let’s see what you’re really made of,” said Lloyd.

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