The highly anticipated final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 started on June 7 at London’s Kennington Oval. Both teams are vying for their maiden championship title, adding an extra layer of excitement to this highly anticipated contest.
As the game progressed, Australia gained a strong position in the game after posting 469 runs on the second day.
In the world of cricket, only a few players have thrilled fans and experts with their extraordinary ‘Saviour’ knocks. One such player is Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team’s maestro. With a record of playing exceptional innings under pressure, Kohli has time and again proven his mettle, particularly against strong opponents like Australia.
With 24 matches against the Aussies under his belt, Kohli has amassed an impressive tally of 1979 runs. Notably, eight of his remarkable 28 Test centuries have come against Australia, placing him joint-fourth in terms of most centuries against the Australian team.
As the battle against Australia unfolds, all eyes are on Kohli, who has a history of delivering extraordinary performances against the Aussies. Revisit the three of Kohli’s most memorable innings against Australia, highlighting his prowess as ‘The Savior’ for Team India.
Melbourne 2014: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass
Cricket is often defined by its moments of brilliance, where players rise above the ordinary to achieve extraordinary feats. One such moment came in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15, as Virat Kohli unleashed his sublime skills against Australia in the third Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
When the outcome of the series was on the line, Kohli performed a top knock of 169 runs, showcasing his tremendous talent and establishing his position as one of the game’s Best batsmen.
Kohli’s 169 from 272 balls was a solid effort based on a foundation of patience and will. He kept going through the bowling storm the Australians delivered, adjusting to the changing conditions and slowly putting up runs. As Kohli skillfully sent the ball to every part of the ground, the Melbourne crowd was treated to a masterclass in batting.
Adelaide 2014: The Knock of Grit and Determination
In the first Test of India’s 2014-15 tour of Australia, Virat Kohli showcased his ability to rise to the occasion and lead from the front. Chasing a daunting target of 364 runs, India found themselves in deep trouble at 57 for 4.
However, Kohli stood tall and played a masterful innings, scoring a brilliant century (141 runs). His inning was a display of sheer determination, as he skillfully countered the Australian pace attack and stabilize the Indian innings. Unfortunately, his heroics couldn’t seal the victory, but Kohli’s knock left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Perth 2018: The Century of Redemption
Virat Kohli’s encounters with Australia have often witnessed his unwavering spirit and unmatched skills. In the 2018 tour of Australia, during the second Test in Perth, India found themselves in a precarious situation after losing early wickets.
However, Kohli took the initiative and showed off his bat prowess. He single-handedly saved the Indian innings against an impressive Australian bowling attack by making a magnificent 123 runs. His performance demonstrated his capacity to succeed under difficult conditions and assisted India in posting a respectable score.
Also Read: WTC Final 2023: 3 Reasons Why Ashwin Deserved To Be Included In IND vs AUS Playing XI
