Following a batting masterclass that put an end to a Test century drought that started in November 2019, star Indian batter Virat Kohli shared a heartwarming moment with Australian stand-in skipper Steve Smith during the fourth Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Ahmedabad.
After being dismissed by spinner Todd Murphy, Virat was lauded by Steve on his way back to the pavilion. Steve shook his hand and patted the batter on his back. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted the picture on Twitter acknowledging Smith’s gesture.
“Respect and admiration,” said BCCI in their tweet. Notably, both Smith and Kohli are part of the ‘Fab Four’ batters of this generation along with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and England’s Joe Root. Both batters have had a storied career in Test cricket as batters.
In 108 matches and 183 innings, Virat has scored 8.416 runs at an average of 48.93. He has scored 28 centuries and an equal number of half-centuries, with the best individual score of 254*.
On the other hand, Smith has represented Australia in 96 Tests, in which he has scored 8,782 runs at an average of 59.74. He has scored 30 centuries and 37 fifties in the format, with the best individual score of 239*.
With this century, Virat has finally hit centuries in all three formats after not being able to hit an international ton from November 2019 till September 8, 2022.
On September 8, 2022, during the Asia Cup 2022 match against Afghanistan, Virat ended his century drought of 1,021 days in international cricket as well. He had smashed 122* off 61 balls. This was also Virat’s first ever century in T20I cricket. His last international ton before that had come in November 2019, in a Test match against Bangladesh
