India’s stand-in skipper Kohli scores ton

Stand-in skipper Virat Kohli promised in the lead-up to the first Test that India would put up more of a fight than their most recent tour.

Already he is right.

Kohli was one of few Indians to stand up in 2011-12, when Australia stormed to a 4-0 series win.

His maiden Test century came in Adelaide, where he scored 116.

It was India’s only ton during that series.

The tourists lost by 298 runs at Adelaide Oval, ending a one-sided series in which Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman largely failed to fire.

Kohli, Wriddhiman Saha and Ishant Sharma are the only three players remaining from the XI that was comprehensively outclassed in that match – a tick under three years ago.

“There’s going to be more aggression this time around (from India),” Kohli declared upon arrival.

Kohli, leading his side in the absence of injured wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, has backed up his words with impressive actions.

He was dismissed for 115 late on Thursday, having been otherwise rarely ruffled in an innings that started with a Mitchell Johnson bouncer that struck his helmet.

Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane all passed 50 and looked capable of offering even more support during the rescheduled four-Test series.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t put up a good fight,” Kohli said prior to the first Test.

“We’re here to play aggressive cricket, play the brand of cricket that Australia plays.”

India’s effort in the field on days one and two suggest they’re unlikely to record a maiden Test series win in Australia.

But they’re on the right track to keep the hosts far more honest.

Kohli will be relieved with his return to Test form after a woeful tour of England earlier this year.

Kohli managed 134 runs at an average of 13.40 in his 10 innings in England.

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