Virat Kohli's heroics helped India reach 269 after the failure of the openers in the 3-day practice match in Canberra. In reply, Cricket Australia Chairman's XI had posted 58 runs for the loss of opener and captain David Warner. Ed Cowan and Usman Khawaja will continue batting in the third day.

Virat Kohli smashed 132 from just 171 balls to repair the early damage created by Australian bowlers. Abhimanyu Mithun dismissed the explosive batsman David Warner in the fourth ball of the first over bowled.

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have been rested for the game and the injured Isahnt Sharma, who is the key in Indian pace bowling department also missed the match. Zaheer Khan and regular captain MS Dhoni are in the 13 member slot.

Indian opening looked shaky as Virender Sehwag lost his wicket after scoring just 12 runs from 12 balls. Another Delhi lad Gautam Gambhir was bowled for 24 by Jason Behrendorff. Ajinkya Rahane, who was given an opportunity did not make much of the chance.

Two quick wickets of Rahane and Gautam Gambhir brought VVS Laxman and Virat Kohli to the crease. With Laxman getting bowled soon by left-arm spinner Jon Holland, Rohit Sharma joined hands with Kohli.

Kohli, who was lucky to survive a drop chance early in his innings made the most out of it. Virat Kohli's shot selection was safe and well executed which fetched him his first century in Australian soil. Together Virath Kohli and Rohit Sharma added a 78-run partnership from 104 balls.

Virat Kohli stole show with his century and impressed the selectors to post him in the playing 11 for the boxing day test match. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma, who is in fine touch after the West Indies home ODI series is also into consideration for the Boxing Day test.

Tags: David Warner | Virat Kohli