Virat Kohli crosses 1000-run mark in Australia, joins elite list

Adelaide, Dec 8: Adding another feather to his cap, Indian skipper Virat Kohli became the fastest Indian to score 1000 Test runs for India in Australia as he reached nine runs at the Adelaide Oval in the opening Test between India and Australia on Saturday.

Besides Kohli, three other Indians have scored 1000 runs for the country. Sachin Tendulkar scored 1809 runs off 38 innings in Australia at an average of 53.21. VVS Laxman scored 1236 runs in 29 innings while Rahul Dravid scored 1143 in 30 innings. Virender Sehwag has also scored 1000 runs in Australia but 83 of them came for ICC World XI. For India, Sehwag scored 948 runs in 20 innings at an average of 47.40. While Kohli had 992 runs after eight Tests in Australia, Laxman had scored 783, Tendulkar 646 and Dravid 735 after eight matches each Down Under.

Kohli could have crossed the milestone in the first innings itself but Usman Khawaja's stunning catch saw him depart at three. In the second innings though, Kohli held his guard and achieved the record to his statistics.

The Indian captain achieved the feat in nine Test matches, faster than batting great Don Bradman, who reached the four-figure mark in his 10th Test at home. Kohli also became the only Indian skipper to score 2000 Test runs in away matches. He is also the first Indian captain to score 2000 Test runs both in India and overseas.