Run-machine Kohli emulates batting great Gavaskar!

With his defiant century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, Virat Kohli became only the second Indian batsman after Sunil Gavaskar to score three Test hundreds in a series against Australia.

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Kohli has one more match to go before he closes this series but for the record Gavaskar has scored four Test hundreds in a series twice on overseas tours.

The Indian vice-captain came into bat at a difficult time for India, scored his ninth Test century to put the visitors in a better position at 462 for eight at close of play on the third play in reply to Australia's 530.

Stitching a record 262-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli, who scored a career-best 169 not only showed temperament but also class in his fabulous knock.

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Kohli, his 272-ball stay laced with 18 fours, though was out caught behind off Mitchell Johnson in the final over of the day.

The No. 4 batsman, who has recorded his fourth ton in Australia overall, had a wonderful first Test in Adelaide as stand-in-skipper, getting centuries (115 and 141) in both the innings only to see his side lose by a 48 runs.

Playing his 36th Test match, the 26-year-old also increased his century count on overseas pitches. The batsman is placed eighth in the Asian list, led by Sachin Tendulkar (18), of century-makers outside the continent.

Apart from his four tons in Australia, Kohli has notched up the three-figure mark thrice in India and one each in South Africa and New Zealand.