Virat Kohli fails for India A

India Test captain Virat Kohli has failed in a rare appearance for India A, out for just 16 against Australia A in Chennai.

Kohli decided to play in the second of two four-day matches between the two nations as he prepares to lead the Test team in a three-match series with Sri Lanka, starting on August 12.

However, after coming in at number three when fellow Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara departed for 11, Kohli was unable to capitalise on the opportunity as he was dismissed lbw to left-arm orthodox spinner Ashton Agar.

In true Kohli style, his 42-ball innings saw him hit a four and a six, before Agar - famous for his exploits with the bat on Test debut against England in 2013 - ousted him.

Fittingly, Agar had spoken about bowling to Kohli on Tuesday.

"We do not have a huge strategy to bowl against him," the two-Test representative had said.

"We focus a little bit on the opposition but we focus on ourselves more.

"It will be a good chance because everyone wants to play against a player like Virat Kohli.

"I think everyone is excited by the opportunity and want to have his wicket."

India A were struggling on 56-4 at lunch.