ZCZC
BSP-03
CRICKET-AUS-IND
Pujara moves to 181 as India turn screws
SYDNEY, Jan 4, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A relentless Cheteshwar Pujara ground his
way to 181 not out Friday as India turned the screws on Australia who are
slowly seeing their hopes of saving the four-Test series evaporate.
At lunch on day two of the final Test in Sydney, India were 389 for five
with the authoritative Pujara unmovable and Rishabh Pant on 27.
They added 86 runs to their overnight 303 for four with the loss of Hanuma
Vihari, who was caught by Marnus Labuschagne off Nathan Lyon for 42.
The visitors lead the series 2-1 after winning the opening clash in
Adelaide and the third one in Melbourne. Australia claimed victory in Perth.
If India, the world’s top-ranked nation, win or draw in Sydney they will
clinch a first-ever series in Australia since they began touring Down Under
in 1947-48.
Pujara was 130 not out overnight after a batting masterclass on Thursday
and the methodical right-hander picked up where he left off.
He drove the second ball of the day from Josh Hazlewood through the covers
for three, before once again dropping anchor, blocking and targeting only
loose balls.
Throughout his marathon knock, he has hardly played a false stroke in a
demonstration of “old-school” Test batting, soaking up the pressure and
counter-attacking when he sees an opportunity.
Pujara brought up his 150 from 282 balls with a boundary off Lyon as he
zeroes in on his highest ever Test score — 206 not out against England in
Ahmedabad in 2012.
At the other end Vihari added only three to his overnight 39 before he
misjudged a sweep off Lyon and the ball feathered his glove, with Labuschagne
taking the catch.
India reviewed the decision unsuccessfully, ending a 101-run stand.
From the moment the coin landed in Virat Kohli’s favour, the Test has taken
on a predictable tone. Whichever team has won the toss in the series has
batted first and gone on to win the match.
When Australia bat, they will have a new-look opening pair with Usman
Khawaja padding up with Marcus Harris after the underperforming Aaron Finch
was axed.
They have also taken a gamble in picking off-spinning allrounder
Labuschagne to come in at number three.
BSS/AFP/MRI/0838 hrs