Will Jacks, eager to contribute to England’s T20 World Cup defense next month, acknowledges the valuable on-field coaching he received from Virat Kohli. Jacks recently showcased his batting prowess in England’s warm-up series against Pakistan, aiding his team to a 23-run victory at Edgbaston. The Surrey all-rounder made a quick 37 runs, forming a crucial partnership with captain Jos Buttler. This performance highlights Jacks’ power hitting, which was also evident when he smashed an unbeaten century off 41 balls in the IPL, with Kohli observing from the other end.
The IPL Experience and Its Impact
Reflecting on his IPL experience, Jacks emphasized the intense atmosphere of every game, which mirrors international cricket. “The big thing with the IPL is that every game is such an occasion, the crowd, the atmosphere,” Jacks said. He noted that the pressure to perform in every match is akin to the demands of international cricket. Batting alongside Kohli, Jacks learned about the importance of giving 100% in all aspects of the game. Kohli’s dedication to training and his intense focus on every detail made a strong impression on the young cricketer.
Valuable Lessons from Kohli
Jacks shared how batting with Kohli taught him crucial lessons about game pacing and chasing targets. Kohli’s guidance during their partnership helped Jacks stay focused and maintain the partnership without making rash decisions. These insights are invaluable as Jacks looks forward to participating in the upcoming World Cup. With just two Tests, seven one-day internationals, and 12 T20s under his belt, playing in a major global tournament is a dream come true for Jacks.
Building Towards the World Cup
Jacks is excited about the approaching World Cup and feels that England is progressing well in their preparations. Although his T20 record shows mixed results with 218 runs at an average of 18.16, Jacks is optimistic. He acknowledges the challenges of switching between opening the innings and batting at number three, but sees it as part of his learning journey. “It’s about how do I change those starts into match-winning scores,” he said, emphasizing the importance of mindset over individual statistics. Ultimately, Jacks is focused on contributing to team victories.
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