Kohli celebrates after scoring a century in his first Test as captain
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
India stand-captain Virat Kohli scored a superb century to keep his side afloat against Australia on the third day of the first Test in Adelaide.
Kohli was well supported by the batting trio of Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane as they all made half-centuries.
After Australia declared on their overnight score of 517/7, India got off to a poor start as opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was clean bowled by Ryan Harris for 25.
Vijay and Pujara made up for the early loss of Dhawan with an 81-run partnership, during which Vijay brought up his half-century, before he was caught behind off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson.
Vijay’s solid knock of 53 came off 88 balls and included three boundaries and two sixes.
Vijay struck three boundaries and two sixes during his innings of 53
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pujara and Kohli also amassed an 81-run partnership, during which Pujara registered his half-century, before he was clean bowled by Nathan Lyon for 73 off 135 balls, which included nine boundaries.
Pujara played some gorgeous shots during his knock of 73
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Rahane and Kohli kept the runs flowing with a 101-run partnership, during which both batsmen recorded their half-centuries, before Rahane was caught by Shane Watson at slip off the bowling of Lyon.
Rahane’s brilliant knock of 62 came off 76 deliveries and included 10 boundaries.
Rahane’s good form with the bat continued
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
India continued to dominate with the bat as Kohli and Rohit Sharma put together a 74-run partnership, during which Kohli brought up his seventh Test century, before he was caught by Harris at fine leg off the bowling of Johnson.
Kohli’s spectacular innings of 115 came off 184 balls and included 12 boundaries.
During his knock, Kohli made history by becoming only the fourth Indian to make a Test century on captaincy debut. The other three players to accomplish this feat before him were Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Vijay Hazare.
With only two overs left after Kohli’s dismissal, Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha accumulated an unbeaten two-run partnership before stumps was called.
Sharma finished on 33 off 61 balls, which included four boundaries, while Saha remained undefeated on one.
Johnson and Lyon picked up two wickets apiece, while Harris chipped in with one.
India ended day three on 369/5 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 23:30 GMT.