India’s day at Sydney and the unbeaten 130 from Cheteshwar Pujara has really strengthened their chances of securing a series win
Pujara played 250 balls in the day, frustrated Aussie bowlers and consolidated India’s position and he’s going to return tomorrow. Credit must also go to Mayank Agarwal, who gave India a perfect start with his knock of 77 as he negotiated the barrage of short balls expertly. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane got starts but failed to convert while KL Rahul disappointed yet again with his six-ball stay. Pujara was ably assisted by Hanuma VIhari, who scored 39* off 58 to further dent Australia’s chances.
Earlier, opener Mayank Agarwal gave India a flying start in Sydney with a fearless 112-ball 77. After opting to bat, India suffered a blow in the second over when KL Rahul, who came into the side in place of Rohit Sharma, lost his wicket for nine runs to Josh Hazlewood. However, the visitors came stronger after the dismissal of Rahul as Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal established the highest 116-run partnership stand to build a strong foundation for India. Spinner Nathan Lyon dismissed Agarwal in the 33rd over but he had already made an impact. Following his departure, Pujara shared a 54-run stand with captain Virat Kohli (23) and a 48-run stand with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (18). At the end of the day, Pujara was seen solid with Vihari, having an unbeaten 75-run stand, to keep India in a commanding position in Sydney.
That brings an end to Day 1 of the 4th and final Test.#TeamIndia will be a happy side as they go to stumps with 303/4 on board and rock solid Pujara on the crease.
Updates – https://t.co/hdocWC4GEH #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/1VWRpToVYg
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2019
V V S Laxman also congratulated Pujara for outstanding knock in the 4th test. Pujara has been in tremendous form on Australian pitches.
Yet another Test Match, yet another marvellous innings from Pujara. Many congratulations on the 18th Test hundred. Has been a delight to watch you bat, @cheteshwar1 ! pic.twitter.com/dxTiaidSYc
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 3, 2019
While if we talk about Australian bowling attack Josh Hazlewood was able to claim two wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon took a wicket each.
