Virat Kohli ended an 18-month drought without a Test century by delivering a stunning, unbeaten hundred in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. His match-winning knock led India to a commanding 295-run victory over Australia, giving them a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Former Australian skipper Allan Border has expressed concern over Australia’s inability to contain Kohli, warning that his resurgence could make the series even more challenging for Pat Cummins’ side.Allan Border Criticizes Australia’s Strategy Against Virat Kohli After Perth CenturyVirat Kohli ended an 18-month drought without a Test century by delivering a stunning, unbeaten hundred in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. His match-winning knock led India to a commanding 295-run victory over Australia, giving them a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Former Australian skipper Allan Border has expressed concern over Australia’s inability to contain Kohli, warning that his resurgence could make the series even more challenging for Pat Cummins’ side.—Kohli’s Century Rekindles His FormKohli’s century was a significant milestone, not just for India’s victory but also for his personal record. With this knock, Kohli became the Indian batter with the most Test centuries in Australia (7), surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Border voiced his disappointment with Australia’s tactics, which he believes allowed Kohli to regain his confidence with little resistance.“I was really disappointed in the way we let Kohli roll on to a hundred without much of a fight,” Border remarked on SEN radio. “We don’t want this guy full of confidence for the rest of the series.”—Criticism of Australian Field PlacementsBorder’s concerns were echoed by former Australian cricketers Matthew Hayden and Mark Taylor, who criticized the field setups during Kohli’s innings. Hayden pointed out missed opportunities to put early pressure on Kohli, suggesting that Australia’s defensive approach made it easier for him to settle in.“They missed a few tricks early in his innings,” Hayden said on Channel 7. “The field placements were too passive, and Kohli found it easy to get off strike. For a player like him, you can’t afford to give even a small opening when he’s under pressure.”Hayden also expressed frustration over Australia’s inability to maintain attacking fields, saying, “Once he got into his groove, it was too late. The damage was done.”—Implications for the SeriesKohli’s return to form has sparked concern among Australian cricket experts, with Border warning that if the Indian star continues to perform at this level, the series could prove extremely challenging for Australia. Kohli’s ability to adapt and thrive in Australian conditions has made him a key figure in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.—Australia’s Challenge Moving ForwardAs the teams prepare for the second Test, Australia faces the task of addressing their tactical shortcomings. The focus will be on finding ways to disrupt Kohli’s rhythm and ensuring he doesn’t dominate the series. With his confidence restored, Kohli is likely to pose a significant threat, and Australia must act swiftly to counter him if they hope to level the series.
Kohli’s Century Rekindles His Form
Kohli’s century was a significant milestone, not just for India’s victory but also for his personal record. With this knock, Kohli became the Indian batter with the most Test centuries in Australia (7), surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Border voiced his disappointment with Australia’s tactics, which he believes allowed Kohli to regain his confidence with little resistance.
“I was really disappointed in the way we let Kohli roll on to a hundred without much of a fight,” Border remarked on SEN radio. “We don’t want this guy full of confidence for the rest of the series.”
Criticism of Australian Field Placements
Border’s concerns were echoed by former Australian cricketers Matthew Hayden and Mark Taylor, who criticized the field setups during Kohli’s innings. Hayden pointed out missed opportunities to put early pressure on Kohli, suggesting that Australia’s defensive approach made it easier for him to settle in.
“They missed a few tricks early in his innings,” Hayden said on Channel 7. “The field placements were too passive, and Kohli found it easy to get off strike. For a player like him, you can’t afford to give even a small opening when he’s under pressure.”
Hayden also expressed frustration over Australia’s inability to maintain attacking fields, saying, “Once he got into his groove, it was too late. The damage was done.”
Implications for the Series
Kohli’s return to form has sparked concern among Australian cricket experts, with Border warning that if the Indian star continues to perform at this level, the series could prove extremely challenging for Australia. Kohli’s ability to adapt and thrive in Australian conditions has made him a key figure in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia’s Challenge Moving Forward
As the teams prepare for the second Test, Australia faces the task of addressing their tactical shortcomings. The focus will be on finding ways to disrupt Kohli’s rhythm and ensuring he doesn’t dominate the series. With his confidence restored, Kohli is likely to pose a significant threat, and Australia must act swiftly to counter him if they hope to level the series.
