Another feather on the cap of Indian batting legend Virat Kohli, who moved past the iconic legend Sir Don Bradman’s 29 Test centuries on the third day of the opener. A scintillating, uneaten effort of 100 from 143 balls is now marked as one’s name attached to ending a 16-month hiatus from a Test century, passing on some records, and sealing his place as one of the all-time greats of cricket.
With eight boundaries and two sixes, Kohli continued to walk on a tightrope of increasing pressure from low scores and exhibited a remarkable calm in doing so. His flawless hundred at a strike rate of 69.93 proved a driving force behind propelling India to a huge lead of 533 runs, after which the skipper, Jasprit Bumrah, declared the innings. This was Kohli’s seventh century in Australia, thus breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most Test centuries in Australia by an Indian. All formats now attribute to Kohli ten centuries in Australia, surpassing those of Jack Hobbs from England.
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This achievement brings Virat Kohli not only reinforces his stature as one of the greatest batters of all time but also to write yet another chapter in the great history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India’s first innings implosion for 150 runs seemed to put the visitors quickly on the back foot. Yet a sensational performance from Jasprit Bumrah, who took 5 for 38, turned the tables as India bowled Australia out for a mere 104 runs. India capitalized on the perfect batting conditions, scoring 487/6 in the second innings, leaving the hosts with a daunting target of 534 runs.
This test is crucial for India’s WTC aspirations. It is clear from the fact that India needs to pluck an improbable 4-0 series sweep from Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to book a trip to the WTC final. Perth’s win would set up the series perfectly and keep the dreams alive ahead. Drama is already unfolding internally and externally, thus providing a grand spectacle for cricket fans across the globe.