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Watch: 'By far my best achievement,' says Kohli after maiden Test victory in Australia

WION Web Team
Sydney NSW, AustraliaUpdated: Jan 07, 2019, 12:48 PM IST
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Photograph:(ANI)

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Their 2-1 victory Down Under was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground. 

India ended a 71-year wait for a Test series victory in Australia on Monday. Their 2-1 victory Down Under was confirmed when the rain-affected fourth and final test ended in a draw at Sydney Cricket Ground. 

Wins in the first test in Adelaide and third in Melbourne ensured they could not lose the series and their batsmen, led by a 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara, batted Australia out of the fourth match with a daunting 622-7 declared total in the first innings. 

Australia were all-out for 300 in their first inning, which witnessed the hosts follow-on at home for the first time in 30 years.

Kohli, who is on cloud nine, kissed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and termed the victory as his best achievement by far.

"I've never been more proud of a team than this one. The culture we've been able to build over the last 12 months. Our transition started here when I became the captain for the first time. Only one word to say, I'm proud. To lead these players is an honour and a privilege. They make the captain look good." 

By far this is my best achievement. Has to be on top of the pile. When we won the World Cup, I was a young player. I saw the others getting emotional."

When asked what importance does this victory hold for the Indian cricket team, Kohli said, "This series will give us a different identity as a team. What we've been able to achieve is something to be really proud of. That's something that we spoke about, just wanted to go back to basics, not be flamboyant."

Kohli also gave a special mention to Cheteshwar Pujara, who played some remarkable innings, saying he's one guy always willing to accept things. He's the nicest man around. 

Kohli also gave a special mention to Mayank Agarwal, who started his international career with a brilliant half-century in the first inning followed by a crucial 42 runs in his second inning in the third Test against Australia.

In India's first inning in the fourth Test also, Mayank hit his second International fifty. He made 77 runs which included seven boundaries and two huge sixes.

Kohli also praised his bowling line saying the way the bowlers have dictated terms in this series and the previous two tours as well, he has not seen that happen in Indian cricket. 

"It's a revelation for Indian cricket and learning for the other bowlers back home. They definitely deserve to be here and breaking record of the great West Indian fast bowlers is no mean feat. Definitely, this is just the stepping stone for us. The average age in the team is quite low. The most important thing for us have been belief. Our intent has always been good, and that is to take Indian cricket forward", Kohli concluded. 

Meanwhile, Australian skipper Tim Paine congratulated Virat and coach Ravi Shastri, saying the current Indian team have got some talent.