It was Virat Kohli’s turn to rewrite history not just as a batsman but as a skipper as well. He added yet another feather to his cap as he became the first Asian skipper to win a Test in South Africa, England and Australia. This achievement came after India’s 31-run win over Australia at Adelaide.
Cheteshwar Pujara made a huge difference in the batting line-up ever so well as his contributions in both the innings- 123 and 71 kept India in the safe zone. With all-round bowling attack, the visitors ripped through the defences of the hosts and well and truly dominated them in all aspects of the game and in the process, India went on to become the first Indian team to win an opening Test game in a series in Australian conditions.
Praising Indian bowlers and Cheteshwar Pujara’s performance, Kohli said at the post-match presentation, “Super proud, to have four bowlers and take 20 wickets is a great achievement. Something that we haven’t done in the past.
Shows us that if the batsmen step up regularly, we will be gunning for a win in every Test match. Collectively we were the better team and deserved to win. (On Pujara’s knock) Priceless from Pujara, we were down and out at lunch on day 1. His grit and determination brought us back in it. We always knew that runs on the board would make the home side tentative.”
As the series stands, India are leading the four-match Test series by 1-0. With three more matches to go, it would be quite interesting to see how Kohli & Co would go about their business. Can India sense this opportunity and win a Test series in Australia for the first time? Only time will tell.
