Indian captain Virat Kohli has led a spirited batting performance from the visitors in response to Australia’s first innings total of 517 on day three of the first Test in Adelaide.
Returning to the same venue where he scored his maiden century, Kohli delivered another impressive ton following Michael Clarke’s declaration at 7-517 ahead of Thursday’s action, scoring 115 from 184 deliveries as India moved to 5-369 at stumps.
The 26-year-old got off to an interesting start, ducking into a Mitchell Johnson 148km/h bouncer which collected him square on the helmet, resulting a number of Australian players racing over to check the debutant captain was in good shape; the response a result of the devastating passing of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes a fortnight ago.
Kohli powered on in a dominant batting display, combining patience with some excellent footwork to smack around the Australian bowlers. Johnson finally got the breakthrough when he removed Kolhi 10 minutes out from stumps with a short delivery catching top-edge bat, hanging in the air long enough for Ryan Harris to collect the diving catch.
Cheteshwar Pujara (73), Ajinkya Rahane (62) and Murali Vijay (53) chipped in half centuries as Johnson (two wickets, 18 overs, 90 runs conceded) and Peter Siddle (13 overs, 62 runs conceded) were hit around the park. Nathan Lyon was the best of the bowlers despite conceding 103 runs from 30 overs, producing good bounce and turn to the tune of two wickets.
“India batted well and we probably haven’t bowled the best in patches,” Lyon said at stumps.
“But there’s enough there, if we keep putting the ball in the right places we’ll get the rewards.
“We have to come out tomorrow morning, bowl well in partnerships and see how we go.”
India will kick off Friday’s action with Rohit Sharma (33) and keeper Wriddhiman Saha (1) at the crease.
Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.
