Pujara and Saha deflate Australia

CHETESHWAR Pujara compiled an epic double century and Wriddhiman Saha complemented with a career-best 117 to deflate Australia and put India in a strong position on the fourth day of the third test yesterday.

After India declared their first innings on 603/9, Ravindra Jadeja bowled David Warner and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon cheaply in successive overs to reduce Australia to 23/2.

Matt Renshaw was batting on seven at stumps with Australia still 129 runs behind and under pressure to save the match.

Earlier, Pujara became the first Indian batsman to face 500 deliveries in a test innings, spending more than 11 hours at the crease for his marathon 202 on the penultimate day of the contest.

Pujara faced 525 balls in his tireless knock. – Reuters