Virat Kohli's Top-5 Best Innings vs Australia In Test Cricket

Kohli in the recently concluded BGT 2023 (Twitter)

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketer, has often expressed his fondness for playing against Australia. He has had some memorable performances against the Australian cricket team and has achieved success in both Test matches and limited-overs formats against them.

Kohli's aggressive and competitive style of play often shines through in matches against the Kangaroos, and he has a good track record against them. He has scored numerous centuries and has consistently performed well in high-pressure situations against the Australian team.

The modern maestro has had some notable performances against Australia, contributing with match-winning innings in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Overall, his passion and intensity on the field make him thrive in competitive contests, and his performances against Australia have been a testament to his abilities as one of the world's top cricketers.

In this article, we will explore five of Virat Kohli's best innings in Test matches against Australia, showcasing his pivotal role in guiding Team India to victory. 

These statistics highlight Kohli's dominance over Kangaroos in the past, making them particularly relevant as we approach the World Test Championship Final (WTC). 

1. MCG, 2014 - 169 runs

One of Virat Kohli's finest innings against Australia in Test cricket came in December 2014, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting on the first day of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli displayed tremendous determination and resilience. He scored a magnificent 169 runs, which included 30 boundaries. His innings was crucial in stabilizing the Indian innings and providing a solid platform for the team.

Notably, Kohli's innings at the MCG in 2014 was instrumental in helping India gain a substantial first-innings lead, but India couldn't win that match.

This innings further highlighted Kohli's ability to thrive in challenging conditions and against top-quality opposition. It remains one of his most memorable performances against Australia in Test matches and showcases his stature as one of the modern-day greats in the game of cricket.

2. Perth, 2018 - 123 runs

Kohli scored his 26th Test century at Perth (Twitter)

Another remarkable innings by VK against Australia came in the second Test match played in Perth in 2018. The magnificent knock of 123 runs demonstrated his skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. After that innings, Kohli became the second fastest to 25 Test hundreds after Sir Donald Bradman.

Furthermore, Kohli's century in Perth marked his sixth Test hundred in Australia, establishing him as one of the most successful Indian batters on Australian soil. 

His innings in Perth once again highlighted his proficiency in tackling high-pressure situations and his penchant for performing against top-quality opposition, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the world.

3. SCG, 2015 - 147 runs

In January 2015, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the then-Indian captain played a sensational innings of 147 runs against Australia. It was a remarkable display of skill and resilience that showcased Kohli's ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

Kohli's century at the SCG was particularly significant as it helped India avoid a follow-on and allowed them to post a competitive total. His partnership with Lokesh Rahul was crucial in stabilizing the innings and building a solid foundation for the team.

Although the match ended in a draw, the Chasemaster's century at the SCG showcased his immense talent and provided a glimpse of his future greatness. It remains one of his memorable innings against Australia in Test cricket and demonstrated his class and ability to excel on the international stage.

4. Ahmedabad, 2023 - 186 runs

Kohli scored a 186 vs Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in 2023 (Twitter)

Virat Kohli delivered a magnificent innings of 186 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 12, 2023, during the fourth Test of Australia's tour of India (Border Gavaskar Trophy). This innings stands as one of Kohli's most memorable ton for Virat Kohli and his fans as he brought up his 28th Test century and the first in the longest format after the year 2019.

Scoring a century after such a long period is undoubtedly a significant achievement. The former Indian batter is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in contemporary cricket, and his centuries are always a cause for celebration among fans and cricket enthusiasts.Kohli's century in Adelaide played a vital role in India's pursuit of victory. 

He held the Indian innings together, scoring runs consistently and building crucial partnerships with his teammates. His knock included 16 boundaries, and he showcased remarkable control and temperament against the Australian bowlers.

With this hundred, he equalled Sunil Gavaskar (8) on scoring the second most number of Test tons against Australia. It places them on joint second position on the list of most Test centuries after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the top spot with 11 centuries against the mighty Aussies.

5. Adelaide, 2012 - 116 runs

In January 2012, Kohli delivered a remarkable innings of 116 runs at the Adelaide Oval during the fourth and final Test of India's tour of Australia. Batting in the first innings, a young Virat displayed a blend of skill, determination, and composure against a formidable Australian bowling attack. He played with a positive intent, counterattacking when necessary and displaying solid defense when required.

The 23-year-old Kohli's century in Adelaide was his maiden Test hundred and proved to be a significant one, as he showcased excellent shot selection, timing, and footwork, which enabled him to score runs fluently. 

Although the match ultimately ended in a loss for India, that innings left a lasting impression and laid the foundation for the youngster's future success. It marked the beginning of his prolific Test career, and he has since established himself as one of the premier batsmen in the world.