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Xtra Time Web Desk: The timing hasn't been good at all. He's nowhere near his usual form against New Zealand. However, that doesn't take away from Virat Kohli's several brilliant innings against Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin in just a few days. Before that, let's revisit five outstanding Test innings by 'King Kohli' where he countered the bowling attacks of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.The senior pro has often enjoyed playing against the Aussies, and has scored 2042 runs in 25 Tests against them. 

Overall, he has slammed 8 centuries, 5 fifties and maintained a batting average of 47.48. The Delhi-born has taken on their top-tier bowling attacks and performed under pressure and there are many occasions where he brought the best out of himself and delivered top-notch knocks in the enemy's territory.

In Australia, he averages 54.08 wherein he scored 1352 runs, laced with six centuries and four fifties. He will be the player to watch out for in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 series, which will kick off on November 22. Let’s revisit five of his most iconic centuries against Australia that solidified his reputation as a world-class batter.

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1. 141 at Adelaide, 2014: Kohli’s captaincy debut turned out to be a memorable one because in his first match as India’s Test captain, he delivered a stunning 141 against the Aussies during the run-chase of 364 in the fourth innings. Despite India falling short of the target, Kohli drew plaudits for his fearless batting against a strong Australian attack. 

2. 123 at Perth, 2018: Six years ago, Virat Kohli was the lone warrior in a Test match against Australia at Perth where he scored a brilliant 123, which kept Team India in the hunt after the top order fell prey to cheap scores. India's run-machine brought the best out of himself on a tough, bouncy pitch with little support. This special knock was well and truly a masterclass in resilience. 

3. 116 at Adelaide, 2012: Kohli's impeccable 116 stands out among all of his top knocks because it was his first Test century in Australia. He couldn't be any happier as he scored the knock at a crucial time in his cricketing venture. At that time, he braved the challenges by facing a strong bowling lineup and showed the cricket fraternity that he can be a future star. Despite the fact that India lost the match, Kohli's knock gave us a hunch that he would go on to become the best in the years to come and the rest is history. 

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4. 147 in Sydney, 2015: The veteran marched ahead with confidence in the final game of the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Series, where he hammered 147, which was also his fourth century of the series. Batting first, Aussies posted a colossal 572. On the contrary, Team India responded with 475, courtesy of Kohli's masterful innings and KL Rahul's maiden Test century. The match ended in a draw and once again Kohli drew plaudits for his impeccable form throughout the series. 

5. 186 in Ahmedabad, 2023: Kohli was facing criticism for not hitting a Test hundred in over three years . However, he ended the drought with a 186-run innings in the fourth Test against Australia in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. He played a substantial innings, helping India gain a lead after Australia posted 480. Australia posted 175/2 in the second innings before the game ended in a draw.