Australia v India first Test in Adelaide: Virat Kohli centre of attention as tourists eye breakthrough win

It’s Virat Kohli or bust as the Indian press, not surprisingly, build up to the start of the long-awaited Test series against Australia in Adelaide with a huge dedication to their superstar skipper.

Can Virat Kohli deliver for India?

It’s Virat Kohli or bust as the Indian press, not surprisingly, build up to the start of the long-awaited Test series against Australia in Adelaide with a huge dedication to their superstar skipper.

The Times Of Indiasaid have fascinating insight into the struggles of India’s batsmen in Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa over the last 18 years.

WARNE: THE MEN WHO’LL SHAPE THE FIRST TEST

INDIAN CAPTAIN: KOHLI SAYS BRING ON BANTER

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India have never won a Test series in Australia or South Africa and - aside from Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli - consistency with the bat has been sorely lacking and a major reason behind the failures.

Bharat Sundaresan has interesting take on the Test, taking a Monopoly approach to his big match preview.

Did you know the Adelaide Oval is the most expensive property on the city-based board?

Can Virat Kohli deliver for India?

Kohli, according to The Indian Express, isn’t exactly averse to a bit of banter even in the current climate.

“Obviously, there are going to be times when you have to put the batsmen under pressure. Not necessarily crossing the line, but just get into their heads which you expect from any side in the world, not just Australia. It’s going to be there, but it’s not going to happen at the level, which has happened in the past, where both teams have lost control.”

Kohli earned plenty of plaudits on Wednesday for his dazzling net session just 24 hours before the start of the series - and the violent sound of ball on willow obviously resonated around the world, according to The Hindustan Times.

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Among the admirers from afar were Allan Donald, Paul Collingwood and Sam Billings.

Viral video of @imVkohli net session is music to the ears of cricket lovers (you'll want the sound turned up) https://t.co/GzmwMaghuf #Kohli #Virat #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/nq88E77Dcz

— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) December 5, 2018

The Hindu touches on Kohli’s ‘special chemistry’ with the Adelaide Oval. The India skipper scored his first Test ton at the ground, an excellent knock of 116 back in 2012.

The 30-year-old averages 98 in Adelaide which is undoubtedly helped by two centuries in 2014.

“I love coming to this ground. For me Adelaide has always been special. I scored my first Test ton here, from then on the connection started.”