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Vihari-Ashwin’s resistance helps India save Test match at SCG

By Mumbai Indians

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.