Record-making Pant milks Aus attack
Rishabh first Indian keeper to score Test century Down Under; features in record seventh-wicket partnership with Jadeja at SCG
SYDNEY: A marathon century by Cheteshwar Pujara and swashbuckling ton from Rishabh Pant all but ended Australia’s hopes of saving the series on Friday as India built a massive 622 for seven declared in the final Sydney Test. India began the second day at 303 for four and proceeded to twist the knife against a demoralised home team that toiled in hot conditions with little joy.
Unless Australia win, India will claim a first-ever series victory Down Under since they began touring here in 1947-48. They lead 2-1. Despite the tall task ahead, Australia skipper Tim Paine said they were not ready to throw in the towel.
“We certainly won’t be doing that, we will be fighting as hard as we can for the next three days. Cricket’s one of those games, if you keep doing that it can turn really quickly,” he said.
“But you’ve got to tip your cap to India. They have worked extremely hard for three-and-ahalf Tests to get us to where they want us today.”
The methodical Pujara made a masterful 193 off 373 balls while Pant stroked his highest Test score in an entertaining 159 not out. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a lively 81 in a 204-run stand with Pant — a record seventh wicket partnership at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Skipper Virat Kohli finally declared when Jadeja was out, with the tireless Nathan Lyon taking 4-178 off 57.2 gruelling overs. It left new-look Australian openers Marcus Harris (19) and Usman Khawaja (5) to negotiate 10 tricky overs before stumps after a torturous day in the field. They ended at 24 without loss.
Calm and collected, Pujara started the day 130 not out and picked up where he left off. He drove his second ball through covers for three before once again dropping anchor, blocking and targeting only loose balls.
‘OLD-SCHOOL’ BATTING
Throughout his knock, he hardly played a false stroke in a demonstration of “old-school” Test batting, soaking up the prestechnique sure and counter-attacking when he saw an opportunity.
Pujara brought up his 150 with a boundary and seemed destined for his fourth Test 200 before attempting to whip Lyon down the leg side. Instead, he lobbed the ball back into the spinner’s hands. Sri Lanka batting legend Kumar Sangakkara summed up his innings in a tweet. “A great lesson to all batsmen in the series and tests in general,” he said. “@cheteshwar1 showing how trusting your strengths and being unashamedly dogged in and concentration brings great rewards.”
At the other end, Pant plundered only his second Test century as he piled more pressure on a wilting Australian attack.
The 21-year-old, in only his ninth Test, smashed eight boundaries in his ton and quickly passed his previous Test high of 114 against England last year, swinging his bat as he grew in confidence.
He was ably supported by allrounder Jadeja who raced to a 10th Test 50.
SCG, 1992
Perth, 1992
SCG, 2019
Adelaide, 1948