India vs Australia: Virat Kohli slams 25th Test century in Perth Test
Virat Kohli
India captain Virat Kohli completed his 25th Test century after smashing a four off Mitchell Starc to reach triple figures on day three of the second Test in Perth.
Playing in his 75th Test, the Indian run-machine did it in style with a classic straight drive against Australia in the second Test of a four-match series at Perth Stadium on Sunday.
He hit 11 fours in the battling 214-ball knock after coming to the crease with his team in trouble after losing two early wickets.
It was his sixth ton in Australia, putting him in the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli has scored five, which is the highest Test centuries so far in the year 2018. He smashed a total of 11 international centuries in this year.
He also became the first ever batsman to record11 tonsin two calendar years.
Withtotal 63 international centuries and is only behind Ricky Ponting (71) and Tendulkar (100).
When Virat completed his ton, India were at 207 for the loss of four wickets in the ongoing match.
Earlier, In reply to Australia's first innings of 326, India fought back on the green-tinged Perth Stadium pitch to reach stumps at 172 for three with Kohli 82 not out and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten on 51.
"We feel confident when he is batting," said India quick Ishant Sharma of Kohli. "We finished the day in a strong position. Hopefully, tomorrow we will win the first session."
The home side bowled accurately but the much-hyped pitch, marked with widening cracks, settled down late in the day.