Virat Kohli smashed his seventh Test century in Australia on Sunday to become the Asian batter with most tons Down Under. Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 100, overtook Sachin Tendulkar who had managed six centuries against Australia. It was also the Indian great's 30th Test hundred which took him past Sir Donald Bradman's tally of 29 in the format.
Kohli stood on the Optus Stadium, soaking in all the applause from his teammates and a 26,166-strong weekend crowd. The "King" waved at them, showed the thumbs-up sign and blew a kiss.
Captain Jasprit Bumrah declared the innings on 487-6, immediately after Kohli crossed the three-digit mark. On his way back to the pavilion Virat Kohli had a quick chat with Adam Gilchrist. Kohli said he takes pride in performing for his country and added that he was happy that his wife Anushka Sharma was present among the crowd to witness his historic knock.
Virat Kohli told Gilchrist that Anushka has been by his side through thick and thin, so she knows everything that goes behind the scenes. "I just wanted to contribute to the team's score. I don't want to hang it around just for the sake of it. I take pride in performing for my country and yeah, just feel amazing and the fact that she is here, makes it even more special," Virat Kohli said.
Kohli's unbeaten 100 (143b, 8x4, 2x6) was his first century after the 121 against the West Indies at Port of Spain in July 2023, and since then 15 innings have passed without a three-figure mark.
India vs Australia first Test Day 3: As it happened
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli hardly put a foot wrong on their way to magnificent centuries in Perth on Sunday, as India declared on 487-6 and had Australia reeling at 12-3 at stumps and trailing by 521 runs on day three of the first test.
The visitors scored 150 in their first innings before bowling out Australia for 104 while conditions still favoured seam.Jaiswal scored a consequential 161 to earn the title of heir-apparent to Kohli as India's batting figurehead, but the former captain showed he is not ready to relinquish the reins just yet with a fine unbeaten 100.
"Be fearless," Jaiswal described his mindset to reporters. "It's always special to score a hundred against one of the best in the world, so I really enjoyed it. "With a declaration looming and increasing urgency, Kohli broke his 16-month century drought in the final hour, sweeping Marnus Labuschagne for four to the rapturous approval of the crowd's many Indian supporters.
During a tricky 4.2 overs before stumps, paceman Jasprit Bumrah dismissed debutant Nathan McSweeney (zero) and Labuschagne (three), both lbw, while nightwatchman Cummins (two) edged Mohammed Siraj to the slips, leaving Usman Khawaja unbeaten on three with an almighty mountain to climb.