Top five highest Test scores by Virat Kohli in Australia

Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of the modern era. His reputation as perhaps the best player in the 50-over format has been solidified by his dominance in ODIs, but his test cricket stats are not far behind.

At a batting average of more than 47, Kohli has amassed over 9,000 runs in the longest format. Despite dominating every opposition, he has a special fondness for Australia, especially away from home. He has incredible stats when playing in Australia, where the bounce and pace complement his stroke-playing style.

Kohli has scored over 1300 runs in Australia at an average of 54. His impressive tally includes six centuries and four half-centuries.

In this article, let's examine Virat Kohli's top five test results while he was in Australia.

5. 116 – Adelaide, 2012

In the 2011–12 series, Virat Kohli scored his first test century in Australia during the fourth test in Adelaide. India came into the Adelaide test 3-0 behind in the series. Furthermore,  Kohli’s place in the test team was under scrutiny due to the lack of big scores.

Kohli’s hundred came in India’s reply to Australia’s mammoth 604 runs total in the first innings. He hit a six and 11 fours in his innings. Together with Wriddhiman Saha, he scored 115 runs to drag India to the 272-run mark. However, India lost the game by 298 runs.

4. 123 – Perth, 2018

This innings, which occurred on the seaming wicket in Perth during the second test of the 2018 tour, was dubbed one of his favorite hundreds by Kohli himself. 

On a pitch that provided plenty of support for the fast bowlers, Kohli stood as the rock of the Indian batting lineup, scoring a brilliant hundred (123), consisting of 13 fours and a six. Despite his valiant efforts in the first innings, India lost the match by 146 runs while chasing 287. 

3. 141 – Adelaide, 2014

One of Kohli’s most remarkable knocks came during the thrilling Adelaide test in 2014. Chasing a daunting target of 364 on the final day, Kohli scored a fluent 141. With 16 fours and a six during his innings, he almost led India to a historic victory.

Unfortunately, the Indian team lost the match by 48 runs after a spectacular collapse that saw them drop from 242/2 to 315/10. Nathan Lyon was named Player of the Match for his seven-wicket haul in India’s second innings.

2. 147 – Sydney, 2014

Kohli capped off his thunderous 2014 tour of Australia with a 147-run knock in Sydney. Kohli scored his fourth century of the series during his spectacular innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

With 20 fours in his innings, Kohli spearheaded India's response to Australia's overwhelming 572 first-innings total. He and KL Rahul, who achieved his first test century, formed an important 140-run partnership for the third wicket. The match ended in a draw, with India displaying resilience on the final day.

1. 169 – Melbourne, 2014

During the 2014 Boxing Day test in Melbourne, Virat Kohli achieved his highest test score in Australia. Kohli top scored for India in a test widely remembered for his and Ajinkya Rahane’s solid 260-run partnership in the first innings.

With 18 fours in his outstanding 169, Kohli was instrumental in India's 465-run first innings total. MS Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin batted out the final 13 overs on the last day to salvage the test, which ended in a hard-fought draw.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official