Virat Kohli silenced critics with a scintillating performance on Day 3 of the first Test against Australia in Perth, smashing his 81st international century and 30th in the longest format. The ton ended a prolonged lean patch in Test cricket for the former India captain, who had been under scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances since his return to whites earlier this year.
Virat Kohli’s Milestone in Australia
Seventh Test Century in Australia: Kohli’s remarkable century set a new benchmark for Indian batters, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s six Test centuries on Australian soil.
Breaking the Drought: This innings ended a 15-innings wait for a Test century, his last coming in July 2023 against the West Indies in Port of Spain.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri hailed Kohli’s innings as a historic display of technical brilliance and mental fortitude. Speaking during commentary, Shastri described the knock as an “ominous” warning for the hosts.
“Seven hundreds in Australia. The big stage, the big ground. One of the bounciest pitches in the world. I doubt an overseas player in the last 15 years has come to Australia and played in this fashion,” Shastri remarked.
Kohli’s ton came amidst a challenging phase in his Test career, where he managed only one half-century in five home Tests prior to the Australian tour. The batter’s struggles had been a focal point for cricket analysts, but his authoritative performance in Perth reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s greatest batters.
Significance of the Knock
Adaptability: Kohli showcased his ability to adapt to the challenging bounce and pace of the Perth pitch, widely regarded as one of the toughest batting surfaces.
Consistency Down Under: The century adds to Kohli’s illustrious record in Australia, reinforcing his reputation as a player who thrives in challenging conditions.
Kohli’s century in Perth not only revitalizes his form but also sets the tone for India’s ongoing Test series against Australia. With this performance, Kohli has proven once again why he remains a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup on the global stage.
