Perth [Australia], November 25 – Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli delivered a stunning performance on Day 3 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Perth, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 100 off 143 balls. This marked his first Test century in nearly 500 days, cementing his status as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s young rising star, lauded Kohli’s remarkable innings, calling him “incredible.” Speaking at the press conference after the day’s play, Jaiswal said, “I’ve seen him score runs in Perth before. Today I saw him do that live from the other end. He has been doing this for a long time. He is just incredible. We were so happy about him, that he should finish it and then we can go out and field. I think that is what was going on, we were waiting for his hundred. And he played amazingly.”
Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Innings
Kohli’s innings, which included eight fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 69.93, broke multiple records and added significant milestones to his illustrious career:
- 30th Test Century: Kohli now has 9,145 runs in 119 Test matches at an average of 48.13, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
- 81st International Century: The chase for Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries continues as Kohli edges closer.
- 100 Professional Cricket Centuries: Across all formats, Kohli has scored 100 centuries, including 54 List A centuries, nine T20 centuries, and 37 first-class centuries.
Dominance in Australia
Australia has been a favorite hunting ground for Kohli:
- 7th Test Century in Australia: Kohli now surpasses Sachin Tendulkar (6 centuries) for the most Test hundreds by an Indian in Australia.
- 12th International Century in Australia: The most by any batter, Kohli has amassed 3,531 runs in 43 matches at an average of 56.95 in Australia, with 12 centuries and 19 fifties.
- Second-Most Test Centuries in Australia: Kohli ties with England’s Wally Hammond for second place behind Jack Hobbs (9 centuries).
Border-Gavaskar Trophy Milestones
Kohli’s remarkable consistency in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues:
- 2,000+ Runs in BGT: Kohli is now the seventh player to achieve this milestone, scoring 2,147 runs in 26 matches at an average of 48.79, with nine centuries and five fifties.
- Joint Most Test Centuries vs Australia: With nine Test hundreds against Australia, Kohli ties with Sachin Tendulkar for third-most centuries against a single opponent for India.
Praise from Teammates
Jaiswal, who watched Kohli’s innings unfold from the other end, marveled at the masterclass he witnessed. Kohli’s celebration, raising his bat high after reaching the milestone, signified relief and joy as he ended his century drought.
Looking Ahead
Kohli’s record-breaking performance has reinvigorated the Indian team’s morale as they continue their campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Kohli leading the charge, fans and teammates alike are optimistic about the matches ahead.
