India and England will feel the absence of Virat Kohli and Harry Brook, who are out of the upcoming Test series. While Kohli opted out of the first two Tests, Brook will not take any part in the five matches. The reason is personal for both of them.

Former England captain Mike Atherton has compared Virat Kohli’s absence to Tiger Woods missing the Majors in golf.

“Harry Brook and Virat Kohli are out due to personal reasons. Kohli’s absence is like Tiger Woods missing Majors. He is that big in that part of the world,” he wrote for Sky Sports.

“Although Virat is not Team India’s captain, he is still the biggest star and fans follow him to every part of the country. His absence has diminished the importance of the series,” he wrote.

“Virat is a charismatic and magnetic character. He is good with the bat and when he doesn’t contribute with the bat, he keeps the energy levels high on the field. India will feel his absence as there are a couple of players, who haven’t cracked Test cricket.”