'Best after Adelaide'

VIRAT KOHLI

Virat Kohli single-handedly kept India in the first Test with his maiden hundred in England, but the captain would still rate the memorable knock second to his 141 in a lost run-chase against Australia in Adelaide almost four years ago, when he hit a century in each innings.

"I don't know. This could come second to Adelaide. Adelaide remains very special to me. It was second innings and we were chasing a target (364) on day five," Kohli told 'bcci.tv' after his masterful 149 on the second day.

"I had total clarity in my mind that we were going for the target. That was a beautiful zone to be in. About this innings, I am very happy and grateful," he added.

His 149, his first 40-plus score in England, was 15 more than the sum total of his 10 innings in the country four years ago.

Kohli was the last wicket to fall, taking India to 274 all out from a precarious 182 for eight. The effort was just 13 shy of England's 287 in the first innings.

"I was very disappointed when I got out because we could have taken a 10-15 run lead. But in hindsight we would not have been able to bowl at them. I am just happy with my preparation and not worried about the world," he said.

His nemesis on the previous tour, James Anderson, tested him to the hilt but this time Kohli came out on top. "It was difficult. I told myself it was important to enjoy this, take it as a challenge to take the team far," said Kohli when asked about his mindset in the middle where the other batsmen struggled.

"It was a test of physical and mental strength. I have to commend the tail as well. Hardik Pandya batted really well and Ishant and Umesh too applied themselves at the end," Kohli added.