India vs Australia : First time since 1979, India have batted so many overs in fourth innings outside Asia

By Lokmat English Desk | Updated: January 11, 2021 14:50 IST2021-01-11T14:50:20+5:302021-01-11T14:50:20+5:30

A courageous and injury-hit India pulled off a remarkable draw in a tense third Test against Australia on Monday as they survived against the hosts’ much-vaunted bowling attack to take the series into a decider.

They resumed day five at 98/2, needing a further 309 runs after being set a huge 407 to win when Australia declared their second innings at tea Sunday on 312/6.

The two batsmen were on the course to deny the Australians a victory even after the hosts got rid of a dangerous Rishabh Pant and the rock-steady Cheteshwar Pujara, reducing India to 280 for 5 at tea in pursuit of 407 on the fifth and final day on Monday

As Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin warded off Australian attack for a draw this is the longest India have batted in the fourth innings of a Test outside of Asia since 1979.

The two players have together played over 250 balls.

Ashwin, was peppered by some fiery short-ball stuff immediately after tea, was living dangerously and was put down by Abbott (the sub fielder). There were desperate appeals and every delay by the batsmen frustrated the Australian captain.

The four main Australian, all locals, bowlers gave their best, but the Vihari-Ashwin pair negated everything thrown at them stoutly. It was a 'blockathon' which lasted 259 balls before both sides decided to shake hands for a draw.

Smith's century coupled with half-tons from Pucovski and Labuschagne put the hosts on top after one-and-half days. The Indian bowlers fought back hard to wrestle control from the hosts to end day two on a high.

For the first time since the 1979 Delhi Test, Team India played 131 overs in a fourth innings.The series is still tied at 1-1 and the fourth and final Test will be played in Brisbane from January 15.

Tags :India tour of Australia 2020Hanuma VihariRavichandran Ashwin