By: Sandipan Bose
Not many would have imaged Cheteshwar Pujara batting for over 10 hour and facing 525 deliveries. He compiled an outstanding 202 against Australia on Day 4 in Ranchi. But it all happened on Sunday.
Quite unbelievable! He just outsmarted the Aussies on every count to take India to a position of strength. So much so that the hosts actually sniffed a victory in the 3rd Test of the series.
Read More: Ton-up Cheteshwar Pujara Holds Firmly in Ranchi
Earlier, Australia pushed India to make 451 in the first essay of the match. There was a pressure on Pujara to continue his good work after remaining unbeaten on a score of 130 at the end of Day 2.
Fortunately, the Saurashtra batsman didn’t disappoint. He, alongwith wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha, not only partnered a record 199-run stand but also bailed India out of trouble with utmost ease.
Read More: Indian Team Responds Well with Strong Reply
It was as if both Pujara and Saha were batting in the backyard. Their control over the opposition was so supreme that even Pujara’s state-mate Ravindra Jadeja came in handy with the bat.
He smashed the ball around to make an unbeaten 54, which India needed the most. Later with the ball, Jadeja again got his act together to get two quick wickets to put Australia on the back-foot.
Australia, however, played out their skin to save the match or else they would need big favours from the Rain God.