Brave Pujara leads way as India’s ‘second XI’ hold firm
A stoic Cheteshwar Pujara led India’s stubborn resistance at the Gabba, where Australia required seven wickets in the final session of the four-test series to snatch the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
The tourists needed a further
145 runs from 37 overs to complete what would be a record-breaking chase at the venue, having reached
183-3 at tea on the final day of the series-deciding fourth test.
Pujara’s vigil (43 from 168 balls) suggested India, who are missing most of their star players, are not focusing on the target of 328.
But there was a clear signal of intent when Rishabh Pant, who proved at the SCG after being promoted up the order that he can score in a hurry, walked out at
No 5 late in the post-lunch session.
Tim Paine’s team required a victory to reclaim the BorderGavaskar trophy, while India will extend their four-year hold of the silverware with a draw or win.
Pujara has put a remarkably high price on his wicket, even by
the standard set in both this series and India’s previous tour of Australia.
The veteran was struck 11 times amid a battering from Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, weathering blows to the arm, glove and helmet, but he never wavered.
Pujara looked in a world of pain after being stuck on the glove by a rearing delivery from Hazlewood, while he has undergone multiple concussion assessments.
Cummins had 2-22 from 17 overs and was Australia’s most potent weapon, by some margin.
The world’s top-ranked bowler snared the scalp of Rohit Sharma in an impressive opening spell of 1-4 that spanned six overs then removed captain Ajinkya Rahane late in the day’s second session.
Nathan Lyon came within a whisker of trapping Pujara lbw for two during his first over yesterday.
The ball-tracker indicated it was likely hitting leg stump but graded the impact ‘umpire’s call’ because at least half of the ball must be hitting the woodwork for a not-out verdict to be overturned.
Lyon’s disbelief was palpable but the offspinner continued to
toil, dismissing Shubman Gill for
91 with a teasing delivery the
21-year-old edged to Steve Smith at first slip.
Mitchell Starc took a hammering from Gill who crashed
20 runs from hius 12th over as he persisted coming around the wicket.
Cameron Green hadn’t been used since a three-over morning spell.
The result will also have a major impact on the World Test Championship standings, which Australia top as they bid to take part in this year’s final at Lord’s.