Watch: A week after being asked by Kevin Pietersen not to “smile as much”, Nandre Burger threatened a throw at Virat Kohli while bowling during the second South Africa-India Test at Newlands on January 3 (Wednesday).
Burger, who made his Test debut in the Boxing Day game against India, was criticised by former England captain Kevin Pietersen for not being aggressive enough and smiling after most deliveries during the match. Burger, who picked up seven wickets in the two innings, was asked by Pietersen to “bowl fast, seriously fast and do not smile after most deliveries”, an advice he seems to have taken seriously.
Burger dismissed Rohit Sharma with a back-of-a-length delivery on Wednesday, which brought Kohli to the crease. He defended the first ball he faced on the front foot back to the bowler, who collected it and immediately threatened to throw it back to Kohli with a stare. The former India captain smiled at the antics, but the commentators suggested Burger stayed away from taking on Kohli, who usually thrives after picking on a battle with the opposition. Mark Nicholas was heard saying, “Pick your battles wisely.”
No Burger, Not to Him 🍔
LEADER VIRAT KOHLIpic.twitter.com/Q2e9r93dvv
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 3, 2024
Burger collects in his followthrough and checks himself feigning to throw the ball at the stumps at the striker’s end. Getting in Kohli’s face. Not the smartest thing to do. This is exactly the sort of thing that gets Kohli going. #INDvSA
— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) January 3, 2024
Two balls later, Kohli was lucky to survive after a thick edge sailed past the second slip and gully for a four. On the very next delivery, Kohli punched a half-volley by Burger down the ground to race away to eight in four balls.
By tea, India were 111-4, with Burger taking 3-42 in eight overs, having taken a 56-run lead after South Africa were bowled out for 55 in the first innings. Kohli was seen appreciating Burger’s efforts as he walked back to the pavilion for the tea break. India ended up all-out for 153 after losing their final six wickets, including Kohli, for zero runs inside two overs.
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