India’s star batter Virat Kohli, who is back to his brilliant form and scored his first Test century in over three years in the fourth Test against Australia in a talk with team coach Rahul Dravid explains his strategy and mindset that got him the big score.

Kohli explained that his strategy was to tackle the Australian team’s attacking 7-2 field placement which has as many as seven players inside the inner circle and only two outside. “This meant that I had to be patient and trust my defence and that’s the template I have already played with in Test cricket,” he added.

He also said, “I think whatever the little help was there in the wicket, the Australian team utilised it really well. Their consistency to bowl in the little rough was created through Mitchell Starc’s bowling for Nathan Lyon and the other off-spinner (Todd Murphy) as well. They capitalised on it really well. The fact that they put 7-2 field most of the time for me.

He explained that because of his fitness he could build up a decent total with running between the wickets in the Test match and going for the big hits only when it was safe. Fitness he said was a key factor as it enables you to bat over two or more sessions in a Test match and still run quickly between the wickets and get the runs.

Kohli’s 28th Test ton comes as a huge boost for him and Team India, heading into June’s World Test Championship final against Australia.