5 most epic Test innings of 2018

#1 Virat Kohli’s magnum opus of 149 at Birmingham

2018 was the year of Virat Kohli. The Indian batsman was tested in severe foreign conditions of South Africa, England and Australia and he has passed with flying colours. Kohli was the leading batsman in South Africa, but the English challenge was more daunting. In 2014 tour, Kohli had suffered at the hands of James Anderson and his technical prowess was doubted.

With the baggage of the past, Kohli arrived on the English shores with Anderson and Broad waiting for him, two of the finest Test bowlers in their home conditions and on their home ground but Kohli relished the intimidating challenge. In the first Test, India was 59/3 while chasing England’s first inning total of 287.

Virat stood tall at one end while England unleashed pace barrage in form of Anderson, Broad, Curran and Stokes. Fuelled by his past failures, Kohli fought fire with fire. He overtook his 2014-15 series tally of 134 runs in just one inning. The batsmen walked back when Rashid dismissed him for 149 from 225 balls. In the fourth innings, India chased 194 runs for a win. Virat once again top-scored with 51 runs but could not avert the loss.

Virat has scored five Test centuries this year but his 149 remains the pinnacle of his technique and patience. It is the best batting performance of this year.