IND vs AUS 1st Test, Day 3 Highlights: Kohli Scores 81st Century, Australia-12/3 at Stumps: On the third day of the first Test between India vs Australia in Perth, it was a memorable one for the batting masterclass of Virat Kohli. He scored the 81st international century and helped put India in a position of strength. Kohli’s superb knock of 100 not out as India declared their second inning at 487/6 to set up a target of 534 runs in front of Australia.
The record-breaking innings of Kohli:
Kohli’s century was the epitome of grace and determination, with eight boundaries and two sixes. He took 143 balls to reach 100, making his seventh Test century in Australia, which broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record. It boosts the legacy of Kohli—one of the greatest batters of all time—as he is adept at withstanding enormous pressures and conquering Australian bowlers.
Support from Jaiswal and the Middle Order
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal built a strong foundation with an exciting century, scoring 161 runs. Contributions from KL Rahul (77) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38) enabled India to advance to a position of safety, rendering the scenario impossible for Australia to chase. The Australian bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc, was unable to control the Indian batters; neither did spinners have an impact because of the placid surface.
Australia’s Top Order Crumbles:
The run chase for Australia started dismally. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj struck twice in no time, reducing the hosts to 12/3 by the end of play. Pat Cummins, Marcus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith failed to counter Bumrah’s precision, leaving Australia in deep trouble as Day 4 came around. Australia needed 522 runs to win the match.
Also Read: IND vs AUS 1st Test Day 2 Highlights: A Mighty Batting Show From Yashasvi And KL Rahul
There are two days to go when India is about to win a big victory over Australia—a parry against a stiff finish of playing two days to salvage a draw. Kohli’s brilliance and Bumrah’s fiery spell have rendered India in the driver’s seat, with Thursday being a strong possibility for the series-clinching match finish. Australian middle-order resistance now would determine just how much further this relentless Indian bowling attempt on an already deteriorating pitch will go.
