Indian skipper Virat Kohli played one of his vital knocks as he scored his maiden Test hundred in the UK during the second day of the first Test match against hosts England at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium in Birmingham on August 2.
Kohli, who faced a lot of criticism during his last England tour in 2014, struck a magnificent century by hitting Stokes for a four.
In 2014, critics called the Indian skipper Kohli a ‘flat track bully’ for scoring 134 runs in 10 innings.
This time the 29-year-old’s grit and perseverance helped India reach 274 and achieve his century.
Luck too favoured the Indian skipper as he was dropped two times before he completed his 22nd Test ton.
At one point it seemed difficult for the skipper to notch up his ton as he kept on losing partners at the other hand and the Indian team were struggling at 182/8. From then, the skipper took charge and dragged his team to 274 as he stitched stands of 35 and 57 runs with tailenders Ishant Sharma (5) and Umesh Yadav (1 not out).
MUST WATCH: On Day 2 of the 1st Test, @imVkohli oozed class, confidence & mental tenacity. The Indian captain gave an insight into what went into the making of his first ‘special’ ton in England – by @RajalArora
Full interview here —> https://t.co/n81WdpIKyr pic.twitter.com/hYCb0NJH5Z— BCCI (@BCCI) August 3, 2018
Talking about his maiden century, Kohli said ‘It was a test of physical and mental strength’.
It was difficult. I told myself is to enjoy this and take up on me as a challenge to take the team far. Yes, it was a test of physical and mental strength. I am glad that we came close to the England’s total and we are pretty much in the game.
Kohli reacts to Edgbaston centuryhttps://t.co/32ZOjOmElq
— Faizal Khan (@faizalkhanm9) August 3, 2018
Praising the tailenders, Kohli said:
I’ve to commend the tail as well. Hardik (Pandya) batted really well after we lost 5 wickets. They way Ishant and Umesh applied themselves I think it was an outstanding effort from them also. I’ve to give a lot of credit to them for getting us this close.
They stuck in there and they supported me till the end and I fell confident about them being out there which is very important.
Meanwhile, England ended day two 9/1. They are now leading with 22 runs.
