Aus on top despite Kohli ton
Virat Kohli's sixth Test ton in Australia was compensated for to some extent as Usman Khawaja's patient unbeaten 41 stretched Australia's lead to 175 on day three of the second Test at Perth on Sunday.
Australia went to stumps at 132-4 after Kohli's sensational 123 helped India to a sizeable total of 283. Nathan Lyon was the star with the ball for the hosts, claiming his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests, which included crucial wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant.
Kohli dominated the morning session despite losing his deputy in the first over of the day as Lyon induced a feather off Rahane's willow with a tossed-up delivery, thus breaking the 91-run stand between the two overnight batsmen.
Hanuma Vihari, who had starred with the ball on day two, tried to rebuild with Kohli after the early setback. The duo added 50 runs for the fifth wicket, steadying the ship with their cautious yet assertive approach.
Kohli notched up his 25th Test century in the 81st over with an off-drive down the ground for four, becoming the second fastest cricketer after Donald Bradman to reach the milestone.
He also joined Tendulkar as the only Indian batsmen to have scored six Test centuries in Australia, and became the first Test centurion at the new venue.
The Indian captain's innings came to a controversial end when he was caught at second slip by a diving Handscomb from the bowling of Pat Cummins.
Kohli was given out by the on-field umpires but clearly believed it had not carried.
However, the decision stood after it was reviewed by third umpire Nigel Llong.
Bumrah said the Indians were "a little surprised" by the on-field decision, while Lyon said the Australians believed it was a "great catch".
The Australians found batting extremely challenging in their second innings, playing and missing time and again as they battled to extend their lead.
Shaun Marsh (5) and Peter Handscomb (13) again fell cheaply, doing little to ease the pressure on their pair to retain their spots in the side.
SCORES IN BRIEF
AUSTRALIA: First innings 326
INDIA: First innings 283 all out (Pujara 24, Kohli 123, Rahane 51, Pant 36; Starc 2-79, Hazlewood 2-66, Lyon 5-67)
AUSTRALIA: Second innings 132 for 4 (Harris 20. Finch 25 rtd hurt, Khawaja 41 not out; Shami 2-23)
FASTEST TO 25 TEST CENTURIES
Player Innings
Don Bradman (Australia) 68
Virat Kohli (India) 127
Sachin Tendulkar (India) 130
Sunil Gavaskar (India) 138
Matthew Hayden (Australia) 139
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