India saved the 3rd Test by batting 131 overs in the last innings against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground. Test cricket fans have witnessed today a determination from Indian batsmen.
Australia declared the second innings at 312/6. They set a target of 407 for India to chase in the 4th innings. At first Pant (97 off 118 balls) and the ever-steady Cheteshwar Pujara (77 off 205 balls) put a massive partnership of 148 runs. After that, an injured Ravi Ashwin (39 of 128 balls) and a hamstring injured Hanuma Vihari’s (23 of 161 balls) patient knock saved the match for India. India played 131 overs in the 4th innings which is the fifth-longest 4th innings for India and the longest in the 21st century.
Indian cricket fans and former Indian players applauded the fights of the team. Some fans think that it was a proper ‘Birthday Gift’ to former Indian batsman Rahul Dravid as well.
After an excellent display today, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “The atmosphere in the dressing room is electric. In Test cricket we don’t get a lot of draws, it was a really exciting last session. I just went to Pujara and told him, you sold me down the river me in both the innings. Cummins was bowling in a different league altogether. There was a bit of double bounce, so it was difficult against Cummins. I think facing Bumrah in the nets is not easy. We have bowlers who can bowl in the 150s. I have been batting well in the nets, so it was great to spend some time in the middle. Chasing 400 in Sydney was never going to be easy, as the ball was going up and down. That knock by Pant set us up. After Pujara and Pant’s wicket and with Vihari injured, it was going to be difficult to go for the win. Touring Australia is never easy so Vihari can be proud of himself. It was a knock equal to scoring a hundred. I was just telling the batting coach during the lunch break that I have never left the SCG without a fifty, this is a venue where I have done well with the bat and today’s innings is right up there.”
Indian batsmen have done the impossible against all odds. Fans are happy to see a vintage Test innings from India. The 4th and the final Test match of the series is from 15th January at Gabba.
