R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari's epic stand seals remarkable SCG draw
The pair resisted for 42.4 overs, after Pujara and Pant had lifted India with a century partnership
The pair resisted for 42.4 overs, after Pujara and Pant had lifted India with a century partnership
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Hemant Brar (@Cricquest)
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Paine: We created enough chances, our bowlers were superb. So this is a tough one to swallow. I will have to take the blame for the dropped catches. Looking forward to Brisbane. We didn't play our best in Adelaide or Melbourne but this was the closest. There were some positive signs out there. A whole-hearted effort from the boys today. two young kids coming and playing international cricket. Will started well with a half-century and Cameron Green was fantastic, helping us setting up the declaration.
Rahane: I think our talk this morning was showing character and fight till the end. It was fightback from the first innings itself. I think getting Australia all out to 338 from 200 for 2 in the first innings was pretty great and special efforts from Vihari and Ashwin. It was a ploy to have right-left combination in the middle but credit to Pant. Injury-wise Pant is looking good, Jadeja the physio will take the call and Vihari we don't know yet. Looking forward to Brisbane.
Steven Smith is the Man of the Match. "India fought really hard, our bowlers kept coming back," he says. "The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special. But that doesn't matter now. I think I batted a bit more aggressively but not much different other than that."
Time for the presentation ceremony.
Shashwat: "@Jiten - Dropped catches and edges falling short...along with a watermark of lady luck smiling!!"
Pranay: "@Jiten - dropped catches!"
Jiten Surtani: "Spare a thought for the guys who prepare the highlights package of the day. What can they show in that 5-10 mins package that will capture the essence of the last session ?"
Deepak Sahu: "Pardon my short-term memory but i refused to believe Ashwin played an inning as significant as this one, including his 4 centuries against WI."
Abdullah: "And Rahane is yet to loose a test as a captain "
Niranjan: "These two batted for 42.4 overs on last day, Outstanding effort!"
Akhilesh: "I remember commenting before the day began that today could make or break Vihari's career which wasn't published. Sincerely hope the Indian team doesn't forget what he's done here because this man is of a different class."
Rajesh pings me: "Ashwin in the top five for most balls played by an India No. 7 in 4th inns, after Dhoni, Pant, Mongia, Kirmani
6.10pm And they are shaking hands with one over left. What an effort by India to draw this Test with Vihari struggling with his hamstring and Jadeja unlikely to come out. Don't forget when Pant and Pujara were in the middle, it looked like they could go for a win also. But when they lost Pant and Pujara in quick succession, Australia were the favourites. So India won't be complaining here. Ashwin and Vihari batted brilliantly and even though the pitch didn't have any demons, it was a tremendous effort by the two during which they negotiated the new ball as well. Australia didn't bowl badly but they were hurt by their fielding. Paine dropped three catches and substitute Sean Abbott put down one. The pitch not deteriorating also worked against them.
All that means the series is still at 1-1 with the last Test to be played in Brisbane - Australia haven't lost there since 1988.
Mainak Pyne: "Not sure if anyone already mentioned this, but can espn quietly use a simulator and add runs to Vihari's career total? He deserves the extra effort from us."
Adam: "Whenever Ashwin fails to win a match for india on a final day, people start questioning his ability especially on overseas tour. I think same should be applied to Nathan lyon considering this is his home series "
Trinity: "It is hardly a limping draw. If another session of play were possible , you would fancy India over Australia to win this, especially with the new ball not due for another 30 overs."
Alex: "Another reason New Zealand is better than Australia at the moment: Neil Wagner. How the Aussies would like him right now!!"
Two overs to go. Three slips and a short leg
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