Australia vs India 2018: 2nd Test Match, Perth, Day 3 - Lunch Report

Australia had a perfect start to the third day’s play when Nathan Lyon drew Ajinkya Rahane into a faulty start. Lyon produced the thick outside edge of Rahane’s bat which was nicely taken by the Aussie captain Tim Paine. However, Virat Kohli began from where he had left on Day two. Kohli once again found the middle of the bat as he came out with his best.

The Indian skipper brought his 25th Test hundred when he drove Mitchell Starc towards the long-off boundary. Kohli looked at ease as equalled Sachin Tendulkar record of six hundred against Australia. The Indian captain scored 13 boundaries and one six in his majestic knock.

Consequently, Virat Kohli once again showed why he is the best batsman in the world. He came out with fine drives as there was no chink in his armour. It was a masterclass hundred from the Indian skipper as the Perth pitch is not the easiest to bat on.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and Hanuma Vihari added 50 runs for the fifth wicket. Vihari looked good in his knock of 20 runs as played with a straight bat and looked organised in his approach. In fact, it was a crucial partnership for the tourists as they had lost the early wicket of their vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant came out with a sedate approach as he understood the situation of the match. However, Australia was able to take out the big fish Virat Kohli at the stroke of lunch.

Cummins drew Kohli into a drive and was able to produce the outside edge. In fact, it was all but a half volley and Peter Handscomb took a fine low catch. Thus, Kohli scored a brilliant 123 runs before getting back to the hut.

Furthermore, Nathan Lyon dismissed Mohammed Shami as the outside edge was nicely taken by Tim Paine.

Brief Scores: India: 252-7, Virat Kohli 123, Nathan Lyon: 2-50