India continued Australia on Day 4 of the fourth India v Australia Test in Ahmedabad when a century from Virat Kohli and an explosive fifty from Axar Patel sent the Australians on a leather hunt. India’s top six batting pairs added at least fifty runs, giving a clear indication of how good the surface is even on the penultimate day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series decider. After adding fifty partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja and KS Bharat, Kohli contributed his form by scoring his 28th Test century and adding a 162 run streak for the sixth wicket.
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Kohli and Axar enjoyed the Aussie bowling attack, Patel even more so, raging after completing his half-century. Axar hit three sixes and a four in a 10-ball span as the crowd in Ahmedabad had the delight of watching their hometown hero toil away at the Australians. Among those lustful punches is the one that takes the cake, the first six Axar smoked from Matthew Kuhnemann. Left-handed hitters always fancy taking on left-arm spinners as the angle makes it a bit easier for them to connect. And boy, did Axar do just that? He lined up, bent down and swept the ball for an 80-yard six.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Repeats Gavaskar’s Surreal Performance, Ending 1205-Day Wait With First Test Century In 3 Years In IND vs. AUS Test
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The ball sailed into the crowd, leaving a heartbroken youth as he put it down. However, the same cannot be said for Kohli, who had the best seat in the house on the non-striker side and was enjoying the Axar six to the fullest. Kohli followed the ball’s trajectory and couldn’t help but show his excitement when Axar hit him clean. Kohli then acknowledged his partner’s goal with a beaming smile.
Watch the video below:
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Kohli and Axar had a lot of fun banging together, as evidenced by their constant chatter and laughter. And rightly so. While Kohli went about his business and put the Australians under pressure, it would have been an immensely gratifying moment for the former Indian captain to watch Axar make his debut under Kohli many moons ago. Axar scored the third half-century of his Test career when he hit 79 balls from 113 and gave India the lead along with Kohli.
Axar and Kohli’s highly entertaining partnership ended when India tried to up the ante. Axar played on after a delivery from Mitchell Starc while Kohli, after fighting cramps and running out of partners, holed in deep mid-wicket for 186. India’s innings ended at 571/9 after Shreyas Iyer knocked out enough not to bat, giving the hosts a 91 lead in the first innings against Australia, who were knocked out for 480 in the first innings.
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