Sat Oct 19 14:12:43 UTC 2024: **Summary of Article:**
– **Match Context**: Day 3 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand took place at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on October 18, 2023.
– **Virat Kohli’s Achievement**:
– Scored his 31st Test half-century.
– Surpassed the 9000-run milestone in Test cricket, becoming the fourth Indian to achieve this, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
– Reached the milestone in 197 innings, making him the slowest among the four Indian legends.
– **Performance Details**:
– Scored 53 runs in the second innings after struggling initially against Ajaz Patel.
– Partnered well with Sarfaraz Khan, who played aggressively, while Kohli displayed his signature style.
– This half-century was his first 50-plus score in Tests for the year, addressing concerns about his recent form.
– **Innings Overview**:
– Kohli had scored a duck in the first innings and was returning to the No. 3 batting position for the first time in 8 years.
– His previous record at this spot was not impressive, with only 97 runs in six matches at an average of 16.16.
– **Fan Reactions**: The crowd enjoyed Kohli’s performance, cheering for his elegant strokes throughout the innings.
First Piper 