5 standout Test Performances in 2018

Virat Kohli overcoming English challenge

Virat Kohli scored 97 and 103 in the 3rd Test and helped India to stay alive in the series in England

When India toured England In August 2018, in addition to Indian pride, the reputation of Virat Kohli as the best batsman in the world in the current scenario, was at stake. It was mainly because of the poor outing he suffered when Indians toured the Home of Cricket four years back.

As a run-up to the series, there was a hype created as well around the Kohli-Anderson contest. Virat Kohli overcame the Anderson challenge in the first Test itself at Birmingham scoring 149 and 51.

He made a bold statement that he could play well in swinging conditions as well. But despite his heroics, India lost the Test by 31 runs. It was followed by huge innings drubbing at Lord's and Virat's captaincy came into huge criticism.

The third Test at Nottingham was a do-or-die match for Indians to remain alive in the five-match series. Virat got lucky with the toss for the first time in the series. He didn't hesitate to bat first.

After both the owners departed after putting a decent stand, Virat came to crease and started with his usual confidence. He got good support from his deputy Ajinkya Rahane at the other end. Both kept on scoring briskly on a batting-friendly surface.

The duo added 159 runs for the fourth wicket before Rahane got out in his 80s. Kohli known for his great conversion rate of 50s to 100s, surprisingly fell short of a well-deserved hundred by just 3 runs.

India posted a healthy 329 in the first innings and their bowlers reduced the England batsmen for a paltry 161. Batting second with a huge lead, India again started well with a 60 run partnership from the openers. No. 3 Pujara also got a good start.

Kohli came in when the score was 111 and continued from where he left in the first innings. He kept on scoring briskly keeping all the England bowlers at bay. He kept piling on the misery of Englishmen as the lead kept on swelling. This time he was not in a mood to get unlucky and reached the three-figure mark comfortably, making it second in three Tests.

India declared their second innings at 352/7 asking England to score 521 runs to win the Test. Despite Jos Buttler's flamboyant 106, England suffered a huge defeat of 204 runs. With the victory, India kept their hopes alive for the series and Virat's reputation went northwards by leaps and bounds.