Star Indian batter Virat Kohli marked a spectacular return to form by scoring his 81st international century during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Optus Stadium on Sunday. Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes, not only steadied India’s innings but also etched his name in the record books yet again.
Kohli’s scintillating performance places him closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100 international centuries. The Indian star now boasts 9,145 runs in 119 Tests at an average of 48.13, with this latest ton adding yet another chapter to his illustrious career.
This was Kohli’s seventh Test century in Australia, making him the leading Indian batter in this category, surpassing Tendulkar. It was also his 12th international century on Australian soil, the most by any batter across formats. Kohli continues to dominate the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 2,147 runs at an average of 48.79, further cementing his legacy in this iconic rivalry.
India, electing to bat first, managed a modest 150 runs, with contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37). Australia’s bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood (4/29), kept the Indian batting line-up in check.
Australia’s reply was dismal, as they were skittled out for just 104 runs, thanks to a fiery spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed 5/30. Debutant Harshit Rana also impressed, picking up 3/48, as the hosts struggled to counter India’s disciplined attack.
India delivered a dominant performance in their second innings, building an unassailable lead over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Opening with a massive 201-run stand, KL Rahul (77 off 176 balls) and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid a solid foundation.
Jaiswal, showcasing remarkable composure, crafted a brilliant 161 off 297 balls, laced with 15 boundaries and three sixes. He formed a crucial 74-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (25 off 71 balls) before falling to Mitchell Marsh.
The middle order carried the momentum forward, with skipper Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a stunning unbeaten century (100* off 143 balls). Kohli partnered with Washington Sundar for an 89-run stand and later joined forces with Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose quickfire 38 off 27 balls* helped India post a formidable 487/6 declared.