Kohli ends hundred drought, India eye lead v Australia

The fourth and final test against Australia was played at Ahmedabad, and it was Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian cricket team, who finally broke his lengthy test century drought by reaching an unbroken 135 runs on a penultimate day. India is on track to exceed Australia’s first-inning total of 480 with Kohli’s patient innings. But, since November 2019, Kohli’s century was well-earned as he formed six partnerships of at least fifty runs with his teammates, including wicketkeeper KS Bharat, who contributed 44 runs.

India lost Ravindra Jadeja for 28 runs after resuming on 289-3, but Kohli and Bharat played well to prevent Australia from succeeding further in that drawn-out session. As Cameron Green bowled the opening over the day, Australia decided to use spin from both ends, and Todd Murphy ended Kohli and Jadeja’s partnership. However, when Bharat hammered Nathan Lyon for back-to-back sixes and a four in a 21-run over after lunch, Kohli maintained his composure and batted normally.

After a single off Lyon, Kohli reached his milestone of 75 international centuries. He then kissed the locket of his necklace while gazing upwards. As India reached 472-5 at the tea interval, all-rounder Axar Patel batted on 38 at the opposite end. India, who currently leads the series 2-1, has to win in Ahmedabad to guarantee their spot in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June.