SYDNEY: India’s star batter Virat Kohli ended his century drought with a match-defining knock in the first Test of the five-match series against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth yesterday.

Kohli, who had been struggling in Tests with an average of just 32 since 2020, took full advantage of the conditions, turning his fortunes around with an impressive century in India’s second innings. Kohli, who had been dismissed cheaply for just five runs on the opening day of the match, returned to the crease with determination and composure on day two.

Despite a challenging pitch and pressure from the Australian bowlers, he played a solid knock, which included his trademark cover drives, notably one against Australian captain Pat Cummins. He also showed excellent footwork against Nathan Lyon, dispelling concerns about his recent struggles against spin.

The century, his 30th in Test cricket, came after a gap of 17 innings. His 81st international century featured 10 boundaries and two sixes, bringing him to joint-second on the list of most centuries by a visiting batter in Australia, alongside Jack Hobbs. Kohli also surpassed Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who had six centuries in Tests against Australia on home soil. Kohli now holds the record for the most centuries by any visiting batter in Australia, with a total of 10 across all formats.