Michael Clarke 'surprised' by Kohli's decison to skip Afghan Test

Kolkata, May 9 (CRICKETNMORE) - Australia's World Cup winning captain Michael Clarke said on Wednesday he is "surprised" by Virat Kohli's decision to skip India's one-off Test against Afghanistan next month in order to play for English county side Surrey and

India will take on England in five Tests later this year and the right-hander has a poor record in England. During the 2014 tour, he managed just 134 runs from five Tests at an woeful average of 13.40 without crossing the 50-mark even once in the series.Hailing Virat's decision to play county cricket, Clarke said it only shows the 29-year old's passion to win and sends across a clear message to one and all that India will leave no stones unturned in trying to win in England."Virat is showing how much he cares about India becoming the best team in the world. The fact that he is going and playing county cricket is setting a clear message to his teammates, to England and everyone around the world that he wants India to have a successful tour of the UK and wants to lead from the front," he said.

"It will be fantastic preparation for him and also shows his determination. It shows not only how hungry he is to perform individually but how much he wants India to have success," he added.Clarke also backed the India skipper despite his team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faring poorly in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), stating the right-hander has been in great form. "He is batting beautifully, RCB is losing but he is I think No.5 in the highest run-getters list in the IPL."The RCB skipper is fifth in the leading scorers' list with 396 runs from 10 games at 49.50.Asked about India's chances in the World Cup next year, Clarke rated India as one of the favourites saying the one-day side is a superb mix of youth and experience.