Five most inspiring Indian performances in Australia

#1 Virat Kohli displays the first sign of greatness in whites (2011-12)

Virat Kohli

India’s 2011-12 tour to Australia was considered to be India’s best chance of achieving their maiden series win down under. The World Champions were whitewashed in England, but their hopes were ambitious. The Australian side was perceived to be a weaker one. The perception was wiped away as India trailed 0-2 after the first two Tests.

One of the talking points from the disastrous performance was the failure of Virat Kohli. The young 23-year old batsman had scored only 43 runs in the first four innings and there were doubts over him continuing in the side. The champion scripted a remarkable return in the most adverse conditions.

India was asked to bat first at the WACA Ground, Perth in the third Test. Mitchell Starc, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle sent back the stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, but Virat Kohli stood tall. He was the top-scorer with 44 in India’s total of 161 all out.

In the second innings, India was bundled for 171 runs. Once again Virat outscored all his teammates with a knock of 75. The performance cemented Kohli’s place in the side for the final Test at Adelaide. The Delhi batsman then registered his maiden Test century and also scored the only century by an Indian batsman on that tour.