Massive relief for Indian fans as Virat Kohli scores his 2nd Test half-century in 2024

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored his 32nd half-century in Test cricket during the third day’s play against Australia in Perth. The 36-year-old scored his second half-century of the year after his knock of 70 during the Bengaluru test against New Zealand. Kohli had scored just five runs in the first innings as question surfaced about his form with the bat. 

Devdutt Padikkal was out in the very first ball after lunch and this saw Virat Kohli walk into bat. There was loud cheer as Kohli took to the middle and was ready to face his first ball of the innings. The 36-year-old veteran batter hit a straight drive that showed the world the class he carries with the bat. 

During the course of his knock, Kohli uppercut the ball for a huge six. The security personnel who was sitting past the boundary was hit on his head. Kohli reached his fifty when he took three runs off Pat Cummins as he had a quiet word with Washington Sundar.

Cheteshwar Pujara backs Kohli to score 100 in second innings

Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara during his chat with Star Sports said that Virat Kohli can score a century in the 2nd innings. The 36-year-old scored a ton for India during the first ever Test match played at this venue way back in 2018. 

Pujara said to Star Sports, “The pitch is still good for batting, and Virat Kohli has a chance to score a hundred. He has to spend some time before playing his shots. Kohli can convert his start into a big score as it is just the third day of the Test, and there is not much for bowlers. The cracks would open on Day 4 and Day 5, so I think Virat should take advantage of the situation.”

During his chat with Star Sports, Pujara had earlier said, “He has scored a lot of runs in Australia and is one of the most successful batters. For me, Kohli’s hundred in the Perth Test in 2018 is among his top five innings in red-ball cricket. He likes to responds to criticism from the fans, media and rival players with his bat.”