IND v ENG: Kohli amasses 4,000 Test runs, 1,000 in 2016

Mumbai: Murali Vijay became only the third Indian opener to notch up a hundred at the Wankhede Stadium as the hosts batsmen dominated the morning session on the third day of the fourth cricket Test against England here on Saturday.

 

India were rocked by the second-ball dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara at his overnight score of 47 before Vijay and skipper Virat Kohli got involved in an unbroken third wicket partnership of 101 runs in 30.4 overs to guide India to 247 for two at lunch.

At the break, Vijay was unconquered on 124 after having batted for five and a half hours, faced 267 balls and struck three sixes and nine fours. Giving him company was captain Kohli who was on 44 not out after a two-hour stay during which he has hit five fours in 86 balls.

 India skipper Virat Kohli completed 4,000 career Test runs, 1,000 of which coming in 2016, during the third day of the fourth match against England here on Saturday.

He required 89 innings and 52 Tests to reach the landmark, becoming the sixth fastest Indian to achieve it. Virender Sehwag is the fastest Indian to cross the mark at 79 innings.

He reached the mark when he got to 41 runs during his first innings knock. He was unbeaten on 44 at lunch on the third day, propelling India to 247/2 at lunch in response to England's 400.

The 28-year-old also registered 1,000 Test runs in the year in just 11 matches, becoming the third Test skipper after Sachin Tendulkar (1997) and Rahul Dravid (2006) to to do so.

"Congratulations skipper @imVkohli - 4000 Test runs," BCCI said in an appreciative tweet.