Vihari-Ashwin’s resistance helps India save Test match at SCG
The Indian batting lineup showed immense grit and determination in the fourth innings as they batted out 131 overs to save the Test match.
After gaining a 94-run lead batting first, Australia declared their innings at 312/6. India required 407 runs to win the Test match.
In the second session on Day Five when Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara batted together, it seemed like the visitors will go on to win the match. However, their dismissals helped Australia gain momentum.
Eventually, it was Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin who stuck at the crease and batted till the end for India.
We take you through some of the talking points of the third Test between India and Australia.
Steve Smith's return to form
Australia's trump card Steve Smith returned to form in style as he scored a scintillating century in the first innings. He followed it up with 81 in the second innings as the hosts managed to set a target of 407.
Steve Smith scored his first Test century in nearly 16 months today 👀
— ICC (@ICC) January 8, 2021
You can see it meant a lot to him 🔥#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/GhJVa68bl4
Marnus Labuschagne proves his valour
After a couple of scores in the 40s, Labuschagne managed to cross the fifty-run mark in both innings at SCG. The right-handed batsman was a part of three-century partnerships in the game which was quite crucial for the hosts in garnering a lead.
First innings: 9⃣1⃣
— ICC (@ICC) January 9, 2021
Second innings: 5⃣0⃣*
Another excellent Test for Marnus Labuschagne 👏#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/rss4RC0huL
Rohit makes a decent comeback
Returning to international cricket after a gap of 11 months, Rohit Sharma scored 26 in the first innings. He and Gill also gave India their first 50+ opening partnership in nine innings. Both continued the suit in the second innings as well where Rohit notched up a half-century.
FIFTY!
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2021
A well made half-century for @ImRo45 in the 3rd Test. This is his 11th 50 in Tests.
Live - https://t.co/xHO9oiKGOC #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/mz4bqOhBW5
Pujara hits twin half-centuries
Cheteshwar Pujara continued to live up to his reputation of being rock-solid in his approach. The number three batsman scored valiant knocks of 50 and 77 to give India a chance in the Test match.
5⃣0⃣!
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2021
A solid half-century from @cheteshwar1 as #TeamIndia are now 235/3 and need 172 runs to win. 👏👏 #AUSvIND
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/xHO9oiKGOC pic.twitter.com/47ZeoVgJgS
A fighting knock from Pant
With India reduced to 102/3, an injured Rishabh Pant who had not taken the field during Australia's innings walked out to bat. The southpaw not only scored 97 but at a strike rate of 82.2 to switch on the panic button for the opposition. He fell short of a well-deserved hundred.
Rishabh Pant brings up his half-century!
— ICC (@ICC) January 11, 2021
Four fours and three sixes in his innings so far...#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4qO06BGzHC
Injuries continue to strike Team India
Pant who was hit on the left elbow was taken for scans. Wriddhiman Saha covered for him as the wicket-keeping substitute during Australia's second innings.
Rishabh Pant was hit on the left elbow while batting in the second session on Saturday. He has been taken for scans. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/NrUPgjAp2c
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2021
Later on, Ravindra Jadeja suffered a fracture on his thumb which even ruled him out of the series. He didn't bowl in the second innings.
UPDATE - Ravindra Jadeja suffered a blow to his left thumb while batting. He has been taken for scans.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/DOG8SBXPue
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 9, 2021
Hanuma Vihari was also suffering with his right hamstring though he continued to bat even after that.
Blockathon
A 62-run partnership between Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin who batted for more than 40 overs helped India save the Test match. Both displayed great character in extending their stay at the crease.
Injuries. 259 balls. And 62* runs later, we had two heroes saving #TeamIndia a Test match on Australian soil 🙏🇮🇳#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AUSvIND @BCCI pic.twitter.com/wpDNL70wEw
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 11, 2021