Published 17:47 IST, October 11th 2019
Virat Kohli edges past Sachin: Here are the top captains' Test knocks
Virat Kohli scored 254 and remained unbeaten as India declared their innings at 601/5. Meanwhile, Kohli also became one of the top run-scorers in Test cricket.
Virat Kohli registered his seventh double century against South Africa on Day 2 of the second Test match at Pune. He remained unbeaten on 254 and declared the Indian innings at 601/5. However, by the virtue of this knock, Kohli surpassed his idol Sachin Tendulkar's highest Test score of 248 which he had scored against Bangladesh back in December 2004. Meanwhile, this knock has also made him one of the most successful skippers to have registered a big score in Test cricket. So without further ado, let's take a look at other batsmen who have also achieved this feat.
Five best captains knock in Tests
5. Alistair Cook (190 VS India, Kolkata 2012):
This was arguably the best knock by a visiting captain in Indian conditions. England had levelled things in the second Test after India had drawn the first blood in Ahmedabad. So the third Test was all about gaining the upper hand. India were bundled out for 316 and in reply, the visitors fought back well. Skipper Alistair Cook hit the Indian bowlers to all corners of the Eden Gardens. He was all set for a big score before an unfortunate run out ended his stay in the middle. In the end, England had the last laugh as they registered a seven-wicket win and later went on to win the four-match Test series 2-1.
4. Sourav Ganguly (144 VS Australia, Brisbane 2003):
This might not be a big score but it was an impactful score on a Gabba wicket where the Australian bowlers were wreaking havoc. Australians were the world-beaters back then and when they were playing in their own backyard, they were very lethal. Ganguly was leading India on that tour where four Test matches were scheduled. In the first Test at Brisbane, India had managed to restrict the hosts to 323 but in reply were reduced to 66/4 and that is where Sourav Ganguly showed what the captain's knock really meant. He negotiated the bowling attack well and went on to score a 260-ball 144. His efforts paid off as the first Test which literally belonged to the Aussies ended in a draw. The four-match Test series was levelled at 1-1.
3. Steve Waugh (80 VS India, Sydney 2004):
Even this is not a score that anyone can boast of as a huge score but like mentioned earlier, this was an impactful score. Waugh, who playing his last match in international cricket could not sign off on a more better note than this. Chasing a target of 433 to win the series, India gained the upper hand went they dismissed openers, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, early. However, skipper Steve Waugh was in no mood to give up as he made the Indian bowlers toil for his wicket. Waugh was eventually dismissed for a 159-ball 80 but he had done enough to secure a draw for the hosts as the series was tied at 1-1.
2. MS Dhoni (244 VS Australia, Chennai 2013):
This is when MS Dhoni used to be the 'Finisher' in the limited-overs format. But against Australia in the 2012/13 home series, he really seemed unstoppable during the first Test at his second home in Chennai. After restricting the Aussies to 380, India's top-order failed to put up a fight before Sachin Tendulkar (81) and Virat Kohli (107) came to the rescue. However, it was all about the MS Dhoni show as the then Indian skipper scored his maiden double century (224 off 265 balls) as India got to 572. In the end, not only did India win the Test match but they also returned the favor back to Australia by handing them a 4-0 whitewash. Meanwhile, this continues to be MS Dhoni's only double century in Tests.
1. Brian Lara (400 VS England, Antigua 2004):
This is arguably the best Test knock by a captain and Brian Charles Lara takes the 'Numero Uno' spot. Even though the match ended in a draw and England won the four-match Test series, 3-0 it was this knock from Lara that was registered in history books as he became the first and only batsman till date to score 400 runs in an innings of the Test match individually. It has been over 15 years since 'The Prince of Trinidad' had achieved this feat. However, this score is yet to be surpassed even today.
The other records shattered by Virat Kohli
After his stupendous knock, Virat Kohli now has 7054 Test runs, averaging 55.11 with seven double-hundreds to his name. Virat Kohli also broke Australian legend Don Bradman's record of scoring the most number of 150-run knocks as a captain as he registered the ninth 150-run score of his career as opposed to Bradman's eight.
Updated 22:38 IST, October 11th 2019