Virat Kohli expects a 50,000 strong crowd at the new Sardar Patel Stadium to 'intimidate' England and cheer his team on to victory.
And as the cheerleader in chief who loves nothing more than to stir up the fans and wind up the opposition at the same time, Kohli cannot wait to see home advantage put into action.
Asked if he thought the crowd would intimidate England Kohli replied: “Yeah, I think so, the crowd plays a massive role.
“The crowds really get behind us and the difference of which we saw in the second Test. The opposition does feel the pressure when you go play in Australia, England, South Africa and anywhere.
“I have experienced that as a batsman, we have walked in to the field fans are booing you or clapping when the bowler is running in to bowl. It does play on your mind.
“So I prefer that atmosphere to be present, make life more difficult for the opposition and really get behind the team.
“That's what playing at home is all about. It's not only about the conditions on the field. 50,000 people and their energy behind us, it does push you in the right direction and put a lot more pressure on the opposition.”
Even though the stadium will only be half full, England's players never get the chance to play in front as many fans as this at home due to the size of the grounds here.
It is only on tour or in tournaments like the IPL or the Big Bash where England's players get to experience this kind of attention on the field and Joe Root for one can't wait.
Root said: “It’s a phenomenal stadium and I’m sure you’re going to see some phenomenal cricket over the years here.
“I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric. It was great to see fans back in the previous game so I’m sure with the capacity of this ground that noise will go up again.
“You want to be part of these big games and be playing in these big stadiums and be a part of history which is what this game is.”
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