The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2014 between Australia and India witnessed a gripping contest that extended beyond the boundaries of cricket. The clash between Mitchell Johnson, Australia’s fiery pace bowler, and Virat Kohli, added an extra layer of intensity to an already riveting match.
Mitchell Johnson, known for his express pace and menacing short-pitched deliveries, had been a constant thorn in the side of many batsmen during that series. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, wasbatting with determination and flair. As the two cricketing powerhouses faced off in Melbourne, tensions soared to new heights.
The flashpoint between Johnson and Kohli occurred on the third day of the Test match. Johnson, operating at his peak, unleashed a barrage of bouncers that rattled the Indian batting order. The Australian pacer’s relentless aggression was evident, and it didn’t take long for Kohli to find himself in the line of fire.
In one particular over, Johnson’s short-pitched assault targeted Kohli with unrelenting precision. The contest between bat and ball turned into a fierce battle of wills. Kohli, known for his unwavering determination, stood his ground and responded with a combination of solid defensive strokes and aggressive counterattacks.
The tension reached its peak when Johnson unleashed a particularly hostile delivery that caught Kohli by surprise. Kohli, however, managed to evade the ball, showcasing his resilience. The exchange of words and fiery glares between the two players only fueled the already charged atmosphere at the MCG.
After some time, Virat Kohli played a straight drive towards Johnson. Johnson picked it up and threw it straight to Kohli’s stumps. The ball hit Kohli hard as he was not able to move, and he fell to the ground. Johnson went to see if all was okay, but the antics of Johnson did not please Virat Kohli. Then, the war of words started between Kohli and Johnson. Kohli was at the peak of his peers back then and was a fiery customer, not one to back down. Post that, Kohli wanted to dominate Johnson and played a drive away from the body only to edge it through the slips for a boundary. Kohli had a mouthful to give back to Johnson after that. From then onwards, Kohli dominated Johnson and the Australian attack with sheer authority.
Virat Kohli’s performance in the 2014-15 Test series against Australia was a defining moment in his career, showcasing his prowess as a batsman and his leadership qualities. The series, which comprised four Test matches, took place in Australia from December 2014 to January 2015.
Kohli, who was leading the Indian cricket team in the absence of the injured MS Dhoni in the first game, left a mark with his remarkable batting displays. His aggressive captaincy style was complemented by his stellar performances with the bat, earning him admiration from cricket enthusiasts around the world.
In the first Test at Adelaide, Kohli played a crucial innings, scoring twin centuries in both innings—115 and 141. His masterful batting laid the foundation for India’s competitive showing in the match, despite ultimately falling short of a victory. Kohli’s aggressive intent and ability to counter the Australian pace attack, particularly against Mitchell Johnson, demonstrated his adaptability and determination.
As the series progressed, Kohli continued to lead from the front with consistent contributions. In the second Test at Brisbane, he scored 19 and 1 in the first and second innings, respectively, as India faced a challenging Australian bowling attack on a lively wicket. Although the match ended in favour of the hosts, Kohli’s fighting spirit was evident.
The third Test at Melbourne saw Kohli’s batting brilliance once again, as he notched up scores of 169 and 54 in the two innings. His commanding presence at the crease, combined with his ability to dominate the Australian bowlers, played a crucial role in India’s resurgence in the series.
Watch: When Virat Kohli Destroyed The Australians After Mitchell Johnson Tried To Injure Him
The final Test in Sydney showcased Kohli’s resilience and determination even when faced with adverse conditions. In a high-scoring draw, Kohli contributed with scores of 147 and 46, finishing the series with a total of 692 runs at an impressive average of 86.50. His aggressive captaincy, combined with exceptional batting, made him a standout performer and garnered praise from cricket pundits and fans alike.
Despite India losing the series 2-0, Kohli’s brilliance and leadership during the 2014-15 Test series against Australia marked a turning point in his career. It established him as one of the premier batsmen in international cricket and set the stage for his future accomplishments as a captain and run machine for the Indian team.
