Cheteshwar Pujara’s marathon double century complemented by Wriddhiman Saha’s gritty ton helped India gain the upperhand over Australia on Day 4 of the third Test in Ranchi on Sunday.
The duo shared a gritty partnership of 199 for the seventh wicket and helped them declare on an imposing 603/9. With a lead of 152 to play with, India’s bowlers went all out leaving Australia tottering at 23/2 when stumps were drawn.
Ravindra Jadeja bagged two late wickets to send the dangerous David Warner (14) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (2) back into the hut. But it was Pujara and Saha’s marathon partnership that frustrated Australia.
Pujara smashed 202 runs. His knock lasted for more than 11 hours and 525 deliveries, most by any Indian batsman in an innings. Rahul Dravid previously held the record, having faced 495 basls against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in 2004.
The right-handed batsman’s innings included 21 boundaries. It was his third Test double century.
Wriddhiman provided brilliant support as he brought up his career-best score of 117. This was the third Test century for the wicketkeeper-batsman. Saha smashed eight fours and a six in the innings that lasted 233 deliveries.
Australia’s bowlers found little help from the surface and were sent on a leather hunt.
Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe bowled a record 77 overs picking 3/196 in the process.
The number of overs bowled by O’Keefe is highest by an overseas bowler on Indian soil.
Comeback man Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers bagging 4/106 in 39 overs.
Having started the day with India’s score on 330/6, the duo took the total past the 500-run mark, before both fell in quick succession.
Jadeja’s run-a-ball 54, however, ensured that India ended strong. The southpaw’s quickfire knock saw India pass 600 and stretch their lead to 150 plus. Jadeja would return with the ball to further frustrate Australia. The visitors still trail India by 129 runs and will hope to bat out the final day with eight wickets to spare.
Brief scores
- Australia 451 & 23/2 (David Warner 14, Nathan Lyon 2; Ravindra Jadeja 2/6) trail India 603/9d (Cheteshwar Pujara 202, Wriddhiman Saha 117, Ravindra Jadeja 54; Pat Cummins 4/106, Steve O’Keefe 3/199) by 129 runs.
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