Inside knowledge can help Yorkshire combat Virat Kohli's threat at Scarborough

World No 1 batsman Virat Kohli, of India (Picture: Tsering Topgyal/AP).

Kohli heads to Scarborough for the final game of three as Surrey’s short-term overseas player in the County Championship game from June 25-28.

The White Rose are calling on inside knowledge from their own India overseas player, Che Pujara, in how to deal with the threat.

“We’ve already spoken to Puj about how to get him out,” revealed in-form strike bowler Ben Coad.

“He’s just said: ‘Keep it off his legs’. That seems to be the key. Make him come to you and play a patience game with him.

“I think it will be a bit easier for us at Scarborough with good carry, swing and the ball nipping around a bit. But Kohli’s a quality player, and we’ll just have to see what we can do.”

There is no doubt Coad is relishing the challenge posed by the world’s best batsman at present.

“It’s a great challenge to have,” said the 24-year-old.

“I want to play against the best players in the world so I can see where I am with my game and what I need to work on. That kind of thing is important for me now.

“It’s exciting for county cricket as well.

“It’s always great at Scarborough, and it doesn’t need a boost there. But to have that sort of name in the Championship will only bring a few more through the gates at the various grounds. That has got to be a good thing.”

Coad broke through last year with 50 Championship wickets in his first full season and has started this summer with 23 scalps from his first three appearances.

Coad took six in the thrilling win over champions Essex at Chelmsford but he picked up an ankle injury which may force him out of Yorkshire’s next match against Surrey at The Oval from Friday.

Yorkshire women were beaten by Kent at Beckenham in their opening County Championship fixture, being bowled out for 118, Lauren Winfield making 28.

England one-day opening partner Tammy Beaumont then hit an unbeaten 63 as Kent clinched victory with eight wickets in hand.

Yorkshire bounced back to beat Middlesex by seven wickets at Teddington on Monday, with half-centuries from Winfield and captain Hollie Armitage securing a successful chase of 161 with almost 25 overs to spare.