Virat Kohli scored his 30th Test century on Sunday, surpassing the three-figure mark against Australia on Day 3 of the first Test at Optus Stadium, Perth. The 36-year-old Kohli arrived in Australia under significant pressure, having managed only two Test centuries in the past four years.
His first innings in Perth was a disappointment, as he was dismissed for just 5. However, the right-handed batter made a strong comeback in the second innings. Kohli started his knock with a flawless straight drive off Australia captain Pat Cummins, signaling that he was back in form.
He soon played his trademark cover drive, and it was clear that the hosts were in for a challenge. Despite recent struggles against spin, Kohli showed solid footwork against Nathan Lyon.
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In the end, Kohli reached his 81st international century off Marnus Labuschagne’s bowling in the 135th over of India’s second innings. The former India captain’s knock featured eight fours and two sixes.
Speaking to Adam Gilchrist after his century, Kohli said, “I’m not someone who sticks around for the sake of it. I take pride in performing for the country.”
With this century, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar, who has six Test centuries in Australia. Overall, Kohli has 10 centuries in Australia across all formats, the most by any visiting player. This also marks Kohli’s second Test century in Perth.
Virat Kohli now holds the record for the most Test hundreds scored by an Indian in away countries, with seven centuries. He shares this achievement with Sunil Gavaskar, who also has seven Test tons, with Kohli’s coming in Australia and Gavaskar’s in the West Indies.
Virat Kohli Helps India Establish a Lead of Over 500
Virat Kohli continued from where Yashasvi Jaiswal left off, ensuring India secured a lead of more than 500 runs. Kohli and Jaiswal’s performances on Day 3 had Pat Cummins and his team under pressure in the first Test.
India has made a strong recovery after being dismissed for just 150 in their first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, stepping up as captain, took five wickets to dismiss Australia for 104 in their first innings.
As a result, India established a lead of 46 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal followed up with a brilliant 161, receiving solid support from KL Rahul, who scored 77. Virat Kohli then maintained the momentum, finishing unbeaten on 100.
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