Cheteshwar Pujara carried his bat through the day and carved out a defiant century to keep India afloat at 360 for six against Australia in a Test that was tantalisingly—poised after his exemplary display of grit and discipline
Cheteshwar Pujara’s undefeated stay at the crease spanned six hours and 52 minutes and he faced 328 balls, hitting 17 boundaries.
Cheteshwar Pujara has this home season shown what he is capable of, be it steadying the ship or playing the aggressor’s role. While he is still some distance away from being the rightful owner of Rahul Dravid’s boots, he has scored a mammoth 1914 runs this first-class season in 16 games at an average of 85.00 with seven 100s and nine 50s. And on Saturday he was once again on the money.
At stumps on the third day of the ongoing third Test, India trailed Australia by 91 runs with four wickets remaining at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) stadium.
Resuming at their overnight score of 120 for one, India were left to rely on the solidity of Pujara, whose 11th Test ton proved to be the fulcrum around which the home team’s innings was built after the cheap dismissal of skipper Virat Kohli (6).
Australia will be pleased that they conceded not more than 240 runs on a wicket where shot—making is much easier than in the first two Tests.
In all, India lost four wickets on the day
Australia’s most successful bowler of the day —— Pat Cummins (4/59) —— at the other end dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin (3) after the visitors successfully used a review
Earlier, Pujara and Murali Vijay (82) executed the team’s plan perfectly in their 102—run second—wicket stand, their sixth century—plus partnership in 10 Tests this home season
At stumps on Day Three Saturday March 18,2017, India’s score read 360 for 6, still trailing by 91 runs, with Pujara (130) and Wriddhiman Saha (18) at the crease
Play on Day 3 ends & @cheteshwar1 remains unconquered on 130 with @Wriddhipops on 18. #TeamIndia 360/6 and trail by 91 runs #IndvAus
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