India vs Australia 2020 Live score and latest update of 3rd Test at Sydney: After five days of intense Test cricket, the two teams cannot be separated as India pull off something similar to a heist, if the term can be applied in the context of a draw. Five days of facing Smith and Labuschagne’s brilliance with the bat, the pace trio and Lyon bowling as sharply as ever and some hostilities from the crowd, in addition to the spate of injuries and the absence of their talismanic regular captain. If the Gill-Rohit opening stand gave the early impetus, it was the surreal counter-attack by Pant and Pujara that truly turned things around today, with Vihari and Ashwin’s stonewalling efforts in the end while battling physical discomfort the cherry on the cake.India will look to carry the momentum over to the Gabba, a venue that is considered Australia’s fortress, with the series still level 1-1. Given the way Rahane and Co have fought back after the 36 all out debacle, they’ll certainly hope to end the tour on a high. For now, it’s time for me to sign off on behalf of my colleague Shubham! Day 4 report: India were battling to avoid defeat against Australia after losing two wickets before the close of play Sunday in a third Test marred by allegations of racist abuse from the Sydney crowd. The hosts declared their second innings at tea on day four at 312 for six, leaving India needing a mammoth 407 to win and they reached 98-2 at stumps, still needing a further 309 runs with the four-match series locked at 1-1. No team has ever bettered 288 to clinch victory in the fourth innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Australia achieving that mark against South Africa in 2006. India’s record run chase started steadily before losing openers Shubman Gill for 31 and Rohit Sharma for 52, leaving their hopes resting on Cheteshwar Pujara, who was nine not out, and captain Ajinkya Rahane, unbeaten on four. Sharma and Gill lived dangerously against some early torrid bowling by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. But they settled in during a 71-run stand to begin playing their shots, with the graceful Sharma bringing up an 11th Test 50 before being caught at fine leg hooking a Cummins short ball. Gill, who has cemented his place in the side after making a debut this series, again looked at home until he nicked a Hazlewood delivery to Tim Paine behind the stumps on 31. “The batsmen will walk in tomorrow believing they can do it,” said veteran Ravichandran Ashwin. “That belief is very important when you step onto the pitch. “As a team, we are very hopeful we can put together a good performance,” he added. Australia’s declaration came after Cameron Green fell on the stroke of tea for an entertaining 84, his maiden Test half-century, with captain Tim Paine unbeaten on 39. Steve Smith made 81 and Marnus Labuschagne 73, with Ashwin and Navdeep Saini grabbing two wickets each. Just before the break there was a near 10-minute interruption to play that saw six fans removed after Mohammed Siraj, fielding on the boundary, complained to the umpire. It was not clear what was said, but the incident followed India lodging a complaint on Saturday after allegations of racist abuse towards the team by sections of the crowd. The International Cricket Council launched an investigation with Cricket Australia apologising to India and vowing anyone at fault faced “lengthy bans, further sanctions and referral to NSW Police”. “We’ve seen it happen in different parts of the world and I’m really sad to see it happen in Australia,” said Australia coach Justin Langer. “I think our series so far has been played in such great spirits … it’s shame to see it getting marred by incidents like we’re hearing about today and last night.” Green sixes Australia had resumed the day on 103 for two after India were bowled out for 244 in the first innings in reply to Australia’s 338, with Smith on 29 and Labuschagne 47. Labuschagne survived an appalling dropped catch by Hanuma Vihari on the day’s second ball that left bowler Jasprit Bumrah clutching his face in disbelief. It was a setback for a side without the spin of allrounder Ravindra Jadeja after he was hit on the left thumb batting on Saturday. He didn’t take the field with Indian media saying it was dislocated and he would only bat again “if required”, with the injury likely to rule him out of the fourth Test next week. Rishabh Pant also took a blow to his elbow while batting and was another no-show with Wriddhiman Saha keeping wicket. However, Pant was expected to bat in the run chase. Labuschagne brought up back-to-back 50s and looked comfortable until Saini snapped his 103-run partnership with Smith. Matthew Wade quickly went for four, and it proved slow going for Smith. But following his first innings 131, he kept his focus to notch another half-century, ably accompanied by Green, until trapped lbw by his nemesis Ashwin. Green, 21, again showed composure to help solidify his place in the team, bringing up his 50 with a boundary then smacking three huge sixes before being caught off Bumrah as he swung the bat again. With inputs from AFP
India vs Australia Highlights, 3rd Test at SCG, Day 5, Full Cricket Score: Ashwin, Vihari's resilience helps visitors draw game
After five days of intense Test cricket, the two teams cannot be separated as India pull off something similar to a heist, if the term can be applied in the context of a draw. Five days of facing Smith and Labuschagne’s brilliance with the bat, the pace trio and Lyon bowling as sharply as ever and some hostilities from the crowd, in addition to the spate of injuries and the absence of their talismanic regular captain. If the Gill-Rohit opening stand gave the early impetus, it was the surreal counter-attack by Pant and Pujara that truly turned things around today, with Vihari and Ashwin’s stonewalling efforts in the end while battling physical discomfort the cherry on the cake.India will look to carry the momentum over to the Gabba, a venue that is considered Australia’s fortress, with the series still level 1-1. Given the way Rahane and Co have fought back after the 36 all out debacle, they’ll certainly hope to end the tour on a high. For now, it’s time for me to sign off on behalf of my colleague Shubham! read more
 "India vs Australia Highlights, 3rd Test at SCG, Day 5, Full Cricket Score: Ashwin, Vihari's resilience helps visitors draw game")
After five days of intense Test cricket, the two teams cannot be separated as India pull off something similar to a heist, if the term can be applied in the context of a draw. Five days of facing Smith and Labuschagne’s brilliance with the bat, the pace trio and Lyon bowling as sharply as ever and some hostilities from the crowd, in addition to the spate of injuries and the absence of their talismanic regular captain. If the Gill-Rohit opening stand gave the early impetus, it was the surreal counter-attack by Pant and Pujara that truly turned things around today, with Vihari and Ashwin’s stonewalling efforts in the end while battling physical discomfort the cherry on the cake.
India will look to carry the momentum over to the Gabba, a venue that is considered Australia’s fortress, with the series still level 1-1. Given the way Rahane and Co have fought back after the 36 all out debacle, they’ll certainly hope to end the tour on a high. For now, it’s time for me to sign off on behalf of my colleague Shubham!
Tim Paine, Australia captain
“Pretty confident when we came today. We created chances but it is tough to swallow. Lyon tried everything, quicks were awesome. We did not hold catches, me in particular. I think there were some positive signs. Today was a whole-hearted effort from the boys. I think it is good to have some young guys come in and start playing international cricket.
Steve Smith is Player of the Match
Smith: India fought very hard. Our bowlers kept coming and coming and did their hardest today. There was not much of uneven bounce today. They fought very hard. Means a lot when you score a hundred for your country. We move on now to Brisbane and look forward to play in few days’ time. Maybe a little but aggressive in my innings at times. Just watched the ball hard, concenterated and nice to spend some time at the crease.
After 131 overs,India 334/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 23 , Ravichandran Ashwin 39)
Four runs off the over, with Vihari clipping a full delivery down towards fine leg off the first ball, and the players are shaking hands at the end of it! Its a draw, and the series is still locked at 1-1!
Ashwin (39 off 128) and Vihari (23 off 161) guide India to safety from a position where the possibility of a draw looked very difficult if not impossible, all the more so with Vihari’s hamstring issues and Ashwin copping a few painful blows to a barrage of short deliveries! What a match!
After 130 overs,India 330/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 19 , Ravichandran Ashwin 39)
Some runs collected in this over, with Ashwin pulling the ball behind square for a boundary off the first, and running back for a second run after punching the ball through mid off, Vihari agreeing to the call despite his condition. Hazlewood pulls out of his delivery stride in the fourth delivery. Dot off each of the last two balls. Two overs left now!
After 129 overs,India 324/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 19 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Starc to Vihari, the pacer still giving his absolute best even as the day’s play is coming to a close. Vihari pokes at a short, wide delivery of the last ball, guiding it towards the backward point fence for a boundary to bring up the fifty stand with Ashwin! Three overs left now, with the one-hour mark up!
After 128 overs,India 320/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Pace from both ends it seems, with Hazlewood replacing Lyon from the Randwick End. Starts with a length ball down the leg side to Ashwin. Shout for lbw off the second, but Ashwin got a thick inside edge on to his pad. Ashwin drives the ball through wide mid on off each of the last two balls, but refuses to run on either occasion. Four overs to go!
After 127 overs,India 320/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Starc fires one down leg to Vihari off the third delivery, the batsman clipping it in the direction of the backward square leg fielder. No ball off the fifth ball after Starc oversteps. The seamer follows it up with a beauty — quite a few of which have been bowled in this spell — outside off off the fifth. Another maiden, with five overs left for India to survive!
After 126 overs,India 319/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
The fielders surrounding Ashwin keep encouraging Lyon with the “C’mon Goat!” shouts, but Ashwin’s focus has hardly wavered as he blocks away another set of six deliveries. Six overs left for India to survive.
After 125 overs,India 319/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Starc continues to bowl testing lines to Vihari, especially in the fifth delivery in which he fires a yorker measuring almost 144 clicks with late swing away from the batter. Sixth maiden for Starc. Seven overs to go!
After 124 overs,India 319/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Lyon continues from the other end as Australia’s hunt for the breakthrough continues! Ash remains resolute in defence, seeing off the six deliveries in this over for a maiden. Eight overs left!
After 123 overs,India 319/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Starc returns to the attack in place of Cummins. The left-arm seamer starts off with a couple of short balls, the first one being fended just out of short leg’s reach. DROPPED! Paine drops yet another chance behind the stumps after a thick edge off Vihari’s bat off the penultimate delivery! There haven’t been too many chances created in the innings, and it’s almost criminal to fumble at such a time. Nine overs left.
After 122 overs,India 319/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
Ashwin pulls out of his stance thrice in the over, apparently not happy with Paine’s constant chirping behind the stumps. Another big appeal for lbw by Lyon off the fourth delivery. The ball kicks up higher than usual in the last ball, with the Aussies appealing unsuccessfully for a catch. 10 more overs to go! Expect a lot more chirping from the Aussies, who are desperate for a wicket now.
After 121 overs,India 319/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 15 , Ravichandran Ashwin 33)
After not collecting a single boundary in 124 deliveries since arriving at the crease, Vihari collects a couple of them in a space of four deliveries in Cummins’ 26th over, both directed towards third man. Shout for lbw off the last ball, but looked high to the naked eye. Eight off the over.
After 119 overs,India 307/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 7 , Ravichandran Ashwin 29)
Pat Cummins given a fresh spell now. No change in the attacking field. Ashwin gets off strike after working the ball towards deep square leg for a single at the start of the over. Vihari fends a bouncer aimed at his helmet off the third delivery, the ball landing in front of short leg. No ball called off the fourth, the bowler having overstepped. Two off the over.
After 118 overs,India 305/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 7 , Ravichandran Ashwin 28)
Nathan Lyon brought back, replacing Green, with Vihari facing spin for a change now. Couple of massive shouts for lbw in the over, but the umpire turns them down on both occasions. 14th maiden for Lyon.
After 117 overs,India 305/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 7 , Ravichandran Ashwin 28)
Change of ends for Hazlewood, coming in place of Labuschagne with Ashwin, who has had quite the difficulty facing the pacers today, collecting a boundary off the last delivery with a flick through midwicket. Last hour of the match begins now, with players taking a drinks break. Minimum of 15 overs to be bowled.
Outstanding effort!
This is the longest India have batted in the fourth innings of a Test outside of Asia since 1979. #AUSvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 11, 2021
After 116 overs,India 301/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 7 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Green brought into the attack now in place of Hazlewood, starting with a couple of bouncers to Vihari from round the wicket, the second one being called a wide. Changes angle after the wide and bowls a lot fuller at the stumps. Just the one off the over.
After 115 overs,India 300/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 7 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
The ball deflects off Vihari’s pad towards fine leg, with Starc putting in a slide to prevent it from going as four leg byes. Seven consecutive leg byes now. Vihari gets an inside deflection off a yorker-length delivery from Hazlewood off the last ball, collecting a single to bring up the 300 for the visitors! That’s the first run collected in nearly seven overs. Vihari, meanwhile, has consumed 106 deliveries for his 7 so far!
After 114 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Ashwin drives the loopy leg-break through cover off the first delivery, but is intercepted. Ashwin pulls out just as Labuschagne is about to release the ball in the fourth delivery, much to the the bowler’s dismay. Second maiden for Labuschagne.
After 113 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Hazlewood bowls to Vihari with a short leg and a silly mid on in place. “Catch” is the call after Vihari clips the ball behind square off the second delivery, which is intercepted by a fielder. Refuses a single after guiding the ball towards deep midwicket off the third. Short ball off the fourth lobs over, landing just short of leg gully. Leaves the last couple of deliveries alone. Vihari’s been tested by Hazlewood in this one, and he remains firm. India need to survive another 19 overs now.
After 112 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Part-time leggie Labuschagne’s brought into the attack in place of Lyon now. Ashwin steers the ball towards sweeper point off the penultimate delivery, but as has become the ritual now, he refuses a single to protect the injured Vihari. First maiden for Labuschagne.
After 111 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Change of bowling, with Hazlewood replacing Starc, getting an inside edge onto Vihari’s right thigh off the second delivery and ending the over with a jaffa that narrowly beats the batsman’s outer edge. Maiden.
After 110 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Paine retains the same field setting for Ashwin in Lyon;s 41st over, the offie bowling a far more testing line at Ashwin by angling it between middle and off from round the wicket and keeping the two short legs in play. Back-to-back maidens now.
After 109 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
A packed close-in field for Vihari in Starc’s over, with the Andhra batsman remaining stoic in his defence as the left-arm pacer walks away with his fourth maiden in 17 overs.
After 108 overs,India 299/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 24)
Some field set for Ashwin — a silly point, short leg, silly mid on, leg slip and a slip — at the start of Lyon’s 40th over. Ashwin, uses the field to his advantage, picking the gaps with his drives to collect back-to-back boundaries off the last two balls. Eight off the over.
After 107 overs,India 291/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 16)
Ashwin pushes the ball down the ground for a single off the second delivery, Wade giving the ball a chase from silly point all the way to mid off. Vihari sees off the remaining deliveries of the over, with Starc throwing the ball in the direction of the striker’s stumps in frustration after the last delivery. 25 more overs to be bowled after this.
After 106 overs,India 290/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 15)
Massive appeal for lbw by Lyon, with Vihari the batter in question, but Paine decides against using up the only remaining review with the impact likely outside off. Another maiden for the offie. Partnership, meanwhile, is worth 18 off 106 balls.
After 105 overs,India 290/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 6 , Ravichandran Ashwin 15)
Mitch Starc brought back in place of Cummins. Vihari refuses a single after a cover drive off the first, but decides to take it off the second delivery with a punch through point. Ashwin, who’s faced a barrage of short balls in this session and copped quite a few painful blows, sees off the remaining deliveries. Just the one off the over.
After 104 overs,India 289/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 5 , Ravichandran Ashwin 15)
Aussie players are starting to get impatient, clearly voicing their frustration at Vihari taking his chest guard off and trying to get another halt in play to get himself checked. The batter is in a lot of discomfort at the moment. 11th maiden for Lyon.
After 103 overs,India 289/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 5 , Ravichandran Ashwin 15)
Cummins continues from the other end, altering his angle to Vihari four deliveries into the over to bowl a tighter line and collecting his sixth maiden.
After 102 overs,India 289/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 5 , Ravichandran Ashwin 15)
Spin brought in from one end now, with Lyon replacing Hazlewood. Vihari blocks the first five deliveries, before setting off for a run (a painful one that too) after working the ball through midwicket. Another 30 overs left for the Indians to survive. For Australia, it’s a matter of five wickets, or four if Jadeja doesn’t walk out to bat.
After 101 overs,India 288/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 15)
The visiting team physio heads out to the centre for the umpteenth time in this Test, this time to attend to Ashwin who suffers a painful blow to the ribs off Cummins’ bowling. Holds up play for a bit. Has been a physically testing match from India’s perspective with the piling injuries. Ashwin gets a bit of luck with a thick outside edge off the fourth delivery that flies over the slip cordon for a boundary, luck that shines in the following delivery as well in the form of a dropped chance at midwicket. Four off the over.
After 100 overs,India 284/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 11)
Ashwin pulls a back-of-length delivery from Hazlewood going down leg, but is intercepted by Warner at leg gully. The ball flies close to Warner off the fifth ball after Ashwin tucks the delivery cramping him for room towards fine leg. Vihari shoulders a length ball outside off to bring the over to an end. The Indian innings is now a 100-overs-old. They have to bat for another 32 overs to head to Brisbane with the series at 1-1.
After 99 overs,India 283/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 10)
Ashwin fends a short ball dangerously close to short leg off the second delivery as the trial by bounce continues. Clips a delivery aimed at his pads through midwicket off the third. Vihari sees the remaining deliveries off.
After 98 overs,India 282/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 9)
Hazlewood from the other end with a slip and a short leg in place, and Ashwin continues to be tested with some short stuff. He keeps the strike with a single off the last ball, top-edge towards the deep backward square-leg region.
Australia have planned bowling bouncers at Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has been dismissed 10 times by bouncers in his Test career, averaging 23.90 against them. #AUSvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 11, 2021
After 97 overs,India 281/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 8)
Ashwin’s adjudged caught-behind off Cummins’ bowling first ball into the final session, and the former reviews it right away, overturning it as the ball’s found to have deflected off the arm guard. Cummins follows it up with another short ball, the ball falling short of gully after brushing the glove and deflecting off Ashwin’s chest. Ashwin tucks the ball through midwicket off the fourth, collecting only one despite the ball travelling close to the boundary, keeping Vihari’s hamstring niggle in mind. Dot off each of the last two balls to end an exciting first over.
Right then, one last session to decide the fate of the match. Another 36 overs to be bowled. Can Vihari, Ashwin and the remaining batsman (including an injured Jadeja) survive that many overs? Or will the Aussies make quick work of polishing the lower order off?
Cummins to Ashwin first up in the evening session.
After 96 overs,India 280/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 7)
Tea, Day 5.
India lost two wickets in the session and both of them big ones that of Pant and Pujara. But one cannot say India are completely out of this. They need 128 to win. But that result will become unlikely if India adopt more defensive approach in next session. Good break for Vihari as well. He can get some treatment in this short break. Back in 20 minutes.
After 95 overs,India 279/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 6)
Vihari is holding one end up. Runs have dried for India. Starc tested him with one short ball as well. He should be bowling more full length deliveries to make him drive and force that hamstring more. Think we have one more over to go before tea.
After 94 overs,India 279/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 6)
Ashwin guides the ball to gully and there was a single in there but Vihari refuses it. Good forward defences from Ashwin later. He is looking okay against Lyon.
After 93 overs,India 279/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 6)
The third ball of the over cut Vihari into two halves. Back of the length straightening after pitching. Vihari has looked good today but the injury is troubling him.
After 92 overs,India 279/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 6)
Lyon continues. Australia take a review for catch at silly point but there was no bat involved there that of Ashwin. Ashwin collects a boundary off the last ball of the over.
After 91 overs,India 275/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 2)
Hazlewood continues. Vihari with some assured defences. He surely is struggling but does not want to go off. Has been the story of India’s Test match so far, players braving injury to keep the fight going.
After 90 overs,India 275/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 4 , Ravichandran Ashwin 2)
Lyon continues. Ashwin evades him well with solid defences. One of the bowled to Vihari kept low. Vihari is having issues running between the wickets. He is batting through pain and will affect India’s chances of getting those quick singles. Run-out chances also come into play.
Pant and Pujara gone. Vihari limping. And Jadeja batting with a dislocated thumb. Will need a miracle to salvage a draw
Pujara falls and with it India’s hopes of a win I’m afraid. There’s still a draw to play for, which would be a commendable achievement in itself
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 11, 2021
The magical delivery from the ‘Bendemeer Bullet’ explained
The ball from Josh Hazlewood which dismissed Pujara kept low - but only a touch. Other balls from the Aussie quick, on that length, have generally bounced about 10cm more.
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 11, 2021
The most important thing for the wicket was arguably the 0.7 degrees seam away from Pujara.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6fO8ztPtND
Pujara’s Test dismissals v Australia bowlers:
v Nathan Lyon : 10
v Cummins + Hazlewood : 11
v Rest combined : 10
After 89 overs,India 273/5 ( Hanuma Vihari 3 , Ravichandran Ashwin 1)
Is this the match? Pujara is gone thanks to a terrific ball. Hazlewood celebrates and why not, this is the wicket Australia wanted. He bowled one down th leg and next ball he nipped back in to Pujara which did the damage. Ashwin has walked in to bat and let’s see how long can he and Vihari fight from here.
After 88 overs,India 272/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 77 , Hanuma Vihari 3)
Vihari is up and ready to play after suffering some discomfort. Looks like he has pulled his right hamstring and the pain exists as he plays the first ball from Lyon. He has a word with Pujara after this ball and then comes back to the crease. He is in discomfort for sure but wants to carry on.
After 87 overs,India 271/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 76 , Hanuma Vihari 3)
Pujara gets a boundary off the first ball, albeit through an edge. Hazlewood needs to bowl a little further to make Vihari drive. He is comfortable facing the back of the length deliveries.
After 86 overs,India 266/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 71 , Hanuma Vihari 3)
Marnus cops a blow on the first ball at silly point as Vihari drives Lyon on front foot. Next ball, Lyon shortens length, gets bounce and beats Vihari who was on back foot. Also, Jadeja has his pads on. He will bat, with a dislocated thumb. Well….
After 85 overs,India 264/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 71 , Hanuma Vihari 1)
Cummins continues after the drinks break and Vihari gets off the mark after 18 deliveries. Pujara shields the wickets on remaining balls. Two off the over.
After 84 overs,India 262/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 70 , Hanuma Vihari 0)
Hazlewood continues. Starts off with a sharp nip-back delivery, hits the top of Vihari’s pads. Vihari has played 17 balls and is still to get off the mark. Drinks taken.
After 83 overs,India 262/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 70 , Hanuma Vihari 0)
Cummins continues and Pujara relaunches the attack on the Aussies with three back to back fours. Very unlike him, but he gets better with run scoring as he gets older at the crease in an innings. That means India have not put the thought of winning this game down. 12 off the over.
Rishabh Pant:
– Only Indian keeper to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test.
– Only Indian keeper to be dismissed in nervous 90s in the fourth innings of a Test.
After 82 overs,India 250/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 58 , Hanuma Vihari 0)
Hazlewood from the other end. Hanuma is cautious and another maiden over has been completed. The fall of Pant’s wicket has taken brought the run rate down.
After 81 overs,India 250/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 58 , Hanuma Vihari 0)
The second new ball has been taken and straightaway Cummins into the attack. And he is playing Pujara play everything. The penultimate ball of the over nips back in sharply to Pujara who was in awkward position to play that.
Keepers to dismiss in nervous 90s in the fourth innings in Tests:
Rod Marsh v England, Manchester, 1972 (91)
Mushfiqur Rahim v England, Chattogram, 2010 (95)
Rishabh Pant v Australia, Sydney, 2021* (97)
After 80 overs,India 250/4 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 58 , Hanuma Vihari 0)
Big wicket for Austalia, as Lyon gets rid of Pant. The partnership has been brokem and an out of form Vihari has walked out to bat. A lot of chatter around Vihari at the moment from close-in fielders. Lyon is a satisfied man at the end of the over. Australia a much relieved unit.
This is the first fifty-plus score for Pujara in the fourth innings of a Test outside India.
In India, he scored two 50-plus scores in the fourth innings of a Test and both came against Australia.
After 79 overs,India 250/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 58 , Rishabh Pant (W) 97)
The runs coming thick and fast now. Pant has unleashed an attack from one end but Pujara is not merely defending as well, hitting the bad balls for boundaries. Four runs off the over.
After 78 overs,India 246/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 54 , Rishabh Pant (W) 97)
Pant has moved to 97 with two back to back boundaries off Lyon. What a counter-attack this has been from Pant. India now on the attack.
After 77 overs,India 235/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 52 , Rishabh Pant (W) 88)
The second new ball is not far and Pant is making sure he is making good use of the wide balls bowled at him by going after them. He has collected two back to back fours off Green as the bowler went wider outside off. Eight off the over.
After 76 overs,India 227/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 52 , Rishabh Pant (W) 80)
Pujara reaches his fifty. Back to back fifties in the game. Tells you how important a batsman he is for this team. Lyon is frustrated by his bad pad defences but he is always in for a LBW chance. Four off the over.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s milestones in Test cricket:
1st run came v Australia
1000th run came v Australia
2000th run came v Australia
5000th run came v Australia
6000th run came v Australia
After 75 overs,India 223/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 48 , Rishabh Pant (W) 80)
Green into the attack now, Starc taken off and Pant plays a drive on the up on the off side for a triple. Green bowled a wide down leg. Australia cannot afford to be indisciplined now.
Trusting the surface a lot more now
That uppercut for four was the first short ball Cheteshwar Pujara has attacked in this Test match. #AUSvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 11, 2021
After 74 overs,India 218/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 47 , Rishabh Pant (W) 77)
Lyon’s changed his approach, bowling a middle off stump line now. One ball to Pant stayed low, hit Pant’s outside edge on to the keeper’s pads and died down to Smith at first slip. Just 1 off the over. Scoring runs every over is important for India. It will put pressure on the hosts.
After 73 overs,India 217/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 47 , Rishabh Pant (W) 76)
This is good from India. They are looking to score runs every over and not just defend and defend, continuing with the same approach adopted in the first session. Pujara played an upper cut for a boundary and then two balls later, wanted to go for a pull again before backing out. Even to survive, India need to put pressure on Aussies and that will happen with run-scoring. 6,000 Test runs for Pujara. What a player he has been for India. Has been there guarding the wickets for years now and the team needs him again today.
After 72 overs,India 211/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 42 , Rishabh Pant (W) 75)
Lyon bowls from the other end. Straightaway Pant looks to play him by stepping out. Pujara too still looking jittery against Lyon at times, using his feet to play him.
After 71 overs,India 209/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 41 , Rishabh Pant (W) 74)
Starc resumes proceedings after lunch break. Pant defends the first ball. Starc bangs it short and Pant attempts a pull, but misses, ball hits the side of the helmet, physio runs out to have a check on him for concussion as is the rule. He looks fine and continues. He should avoid playing the pull on this track, especially with pain persisting in his right arm. The lead is now under 200.
Fourth innings century stands for India in Australia in Tests:
C Borde/M Jaisimha, Brisbane, 1968
M Amarnath/G Viswanath, Adelaide, 1978
M Azharuddin/M Prabhakar, Adelaide, 1992
V Kohli/M Vijay, Adelaide, 2014
C Pujara/R Pant, Sydney, 2021*
After 70 overs,India 206/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 41 , Rishabh Pant (W) 73)
Lunch on Day 5
Lyon bowls out the final over of the session, with Pujara collecting a boundary off the fourth delivery as India head to the break on 206/3. What a session for the visitors, who suffered the early jolt in the form of Rahane’s exit, but ended up collecting 108 runs from the session without losing any further dismissals thanks to a terrific counterattack from Pant to go with Pujara’s composed approach.
India need another 201 to win. Can’t rule out a victory for the visitors after the display in the first session. However, Australia know they are but one wicket away from opening the floodgates.
After 69 overs,India 202/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 37 , Rishabh Pant (W) 73)
Bit of variable bounce on display again in the third delivery as the ball stays low while going past Pant’s outside edge off the third delivery. Maiden for Cummins, with Pant turning down a single off the last delivery.
After 68 overs,India 202/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 37 , Rishabh Pant (W) 73)
Lyon starts off with a couple of dots, before Pant punches the ball through cover for a single off the third. Dot off each of the next two, before Pujara ends the over with a boundary through the midwicket region to bring up the century stand with Pant!
After 67 overs,India 197/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 33 , Rishabh Pant (W) 72)
Cummins continues with a gully, a leg gully and a short leg in place for Pujara, who safely negotiates the over that goes for a maiden. A little under 10 minutes to go for lunch.
After 66 overs,India 197/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 33 , Rishabh Pant (W) 72)
Edge off Pujara’s bat at the start of the over nearly carries to slip (Paine initially think’s it’s caught and almost gets into a celebration). A bowler of Lyon’s class will always be creating the chances no matter how well set the two batters are. Just a matter of the fielders grabbing those chances. Pujara takes a couple of steps down the ground for a single off the last delivery. Just one off the over.
After 65 overs,India 196/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 32 , Rishabh Pant (W) 72)
Patrick Cummins brought in place of Starc for his second spell of the morning after the latter went for runs aplenty in his previous over. Cummins ruffles Pant with a short ball off the fourth delivery, one that pings him on the handle. Pant responds in the next delivery by driving an overpitched delivery wide of extra cover for a boundary. Four off the over.
After 64 overs,India 192/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 32 , Rishabh Pant (W) 68)
Maiden over for Lyon, who continues from the other end. Big appeal for lbw off the fifth delivery, with the Aussies deciding against the review after the umpire shakes his head, height being the factor here.
After 63 overs,India 192/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 32 , Rishabh Pant (W) 68)
Pant collects a boundary off the first delivery — a a gift from Starc that is overpitched outside off, in addition to being a no-ball. Single collected by Pant next ball, the first legal delivery of the over. Pujara steers the ball behind point for a brace off the third delivery, before glancing at the ball going down leg, directing it towards long leg for a single off the fourth. Another boundary to Pant off the last delivery, with 13 coming off this over.
After 62 overs,India 179/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 29 , Rishabh Pant (W) 59)
Fine stop by Lyon off his own bowling at the start of the over after a forward push by Pant, who then sets off for a quick single after tapping the ball towards cover off the second. Dot off each of the remaining deliveries of the over, with Lyon switching to round-the-wicket angle ahead of the penultimate delivery
After 61 overs,India 178/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 29 , Rishabh Pant (W) 58)
Change of ends for Starc as well. Pant nudges the ball behind square leg for a single off the first delivery to bring Pujara on strike. Pujara pierces the leg-side trap off the penultimate delivery, riding the extra bounce on offer to tuck it behind square and collect two. Three off the over.
Could prove to be costly misses
This is the first time Tim Paine has dropped two catches in the same innings since returning to the Test side. #AUSvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 11, 2021
After 60 overs,India 175/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 57)
Lyon’s back in the attack, and another chance off his bowling goes begging as Paine fails to collect the ball after Pant gets the faintest of edges off the first delivery. The off-spinner crouches in disappointment after the second dropped chance off his bowling. Just one off the over.
After 59 overs,India 174/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 56)
Pant’s heroics forces Paine to take Lyon off the attack, bringing Cameron Green instead. The all-rounder starts off with a steep delivery to Pant, who crouches low to allow the ball to pass over his head. Single to Pant off the fourth delivery, the left-hander guiding the ball towards midwicket. Just the one off the over.
Rishabh Pant becomes the youngest keeper to score 50-plus runs in the 4th innings of a Test in Australia – 23 years and 95 days.
The previous youngest was Ian Healy – 24 years 216 days
After 58 overs,India 173/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 55)
Another boundary for Pant at the start of the over, guiding the ball behind square off a short delivery from Starc to collect his fifth boundary. Collects a single off the second delivery to bring Pujara back on strike, the latter seeing off the remaining deliveries.
True that
Rishabh and Pujara batting together is like having your mum’s roast dinner and a salted caramel and macadamia ice cream in one sitting. #AUSvIND
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 11, 2021
Pant looking to aggress
Pant's enjoying himself out there now!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 11, 2021
Live #AUSvIND: https://t.co/KwwZDwbdzO pic.twitter.com/FTob8nSVtC
After 57 overs,India 168/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 50)
Pant continues to boss Lyon to throw the Aussies’ plans into disarray, collecting back-to-back sixes followed by a single to bring up his half-century off just 64 deliveries! Attack is the best form of defence, as some would say.
After 56 overs,India 155/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 37)
Mitchell Starc brought into the attack for the first time today, replacing Labuschagne after a two-over spell to the latter and starting off with a length delivery down leg to Pujara. Maiden over for the left-arm pacer.
After 55 overs,India 155/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 37)
Change of end for Lyon, bowling from Paddington now with Wade at silly point and a slip for Pant. The southpaw is seen charging down the pitch a couple of times to Lyon, though this time he isn’t quite able to execute the big shots down the ground off the offie.
After 54 overs,India 155/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 27 , Rishabh Pant (W) 37)
Labuschagne continues with his leg-spin on the other side of the drinks break, giving away three singles in this over.
After 53 overs,India 152/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 26 , Rishabh Pant (W) 35)
Pant gets a streaky boundary at the start of the over, the edge flying wide of Smith at slip before running away to third man. No-ball off the next delivery. Pant pulls the ball towards deep midwicket off the third ball, running three to get India past the 150-mark and also bring up the fifty stand. Dot off each of the remaining deliveries of the over, as the players take a drink an hour-and-fifteen minutes into the morning session.
After 52 overs,India 144/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 26 , Rishabh Pant (W) 28)
Part-timer Marnus Labuschagne brought into the attack, overstepping in the first delivery as Pant sets off for a risky single at the start of the over after a bit of hesitation between the two. Boundary to Pujara off a full toss, the right-hander driving the ball down the ground. Six off the over.
After 51 overs,India 138/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , Rishabh Pant (W) 27)
Couple of risky inside-edges off Pujara’s bat in this over, the ball falling anxiously close to the close-in fielders on the leg side, as Hazlewood walks away with his third maiden of the morning at the end of this over.
How Pant plays spin
Rishabh Pant averages 52 when attacking spinners in Test cricket. In part, that is related to attacking poorer deliveries, but it could also be related to his attacking technique being stronger than his defensive technique. #AUSvIND
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 11, 2021
After 50 overs,India 138/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , Rishabh Pant (W) 27)
Pant continues to attack Lyon, collecting back-to-back boundaries off the off-spinner who had earlier got the first breakthrough of the day. Brave counter-attack so far from the southpaw who wasn’t on the field yesterday due to the elbow injury. Eight off the over.
After 49 overs,India 130/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , Rishabh Pant (W) 19)
Pant, who’s nearly caught-up with Pujara’s score in a flash after the fireworks in the previous over, sets off for a single at the start of this over. Dot off each of the remaining deliveries.
After 48 overs,India 129/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , Rishabh Pant (W) 18)
Lyon bowls to Pant with a short leg, a silly point and a slip in place. Play-and-miss off the first delivery, with Paine whipping the bails off in a flash, a tactic to put the batsman under pressure. Pant collects a brace off the second delivery after nudging the ball through midwicket off the second delivery. The southpaw then announces himself by charging at the world-class off-spinner off consecutive deliveries, collecting a four and a six off the fourth and fifth deliveries before retaining the strike with a single off the last delivery. 13 off the over, an excellent one for the Indians!
After 47 overs,India 116/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , Rishabh Pant (W) 5)
Hazlewood to the right-hander in this over, collecting a second consecutive maiden as Pujara remains rooted to the crease in defence.
After 46 overs,India 116/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 22 , Rishabh Pant (W) 5)
Just the one off the over, as Pujara sets off for a single after working the ball through square off the second delivery of Lyon’s 15th over.
After 45 overs,India 115/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 21 , Rishabh Pant (W) 5)
First bowling change of the day with Hazlewood steaming in from the Paddington End where Cummins was bowling from last. Excellent stop by Wade at extra cover to save at least a couple of runs for the hosts after a well-timed drive by Pant off the third delivery. The pacer starts his day with a maiden.
After 44 overs,India 115/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 21 , Rishabh Pant (W) 5)
Big shout for lbw by Lyon and the close-in fielders off the fifth delivery with Pujara the batter in question. Paine considers going upstairs for a few fleeting moments, having a quick chat with the bowler before deciding against it in the end. Pujara didn’t offer a shot, taking impact out of the equation. Hawk-Eye shows ‘Umpire’s Call’, which could’ve been disastrous for the visitors had the umpire raised his finger. Maiden for Lyon.
After 43 overs,India 115/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 21 , Rishabh Pant (W) 5)
Pant guides the ball through the leg side off a short delivery at the start off the over, collecting another run. Pujara goes for another push down the ground off a full delivery from Cummins, getting enough time for a third run and moving into the 20s in the process. Four off the over.
After 42 overs,India 111/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , Rishabh Pant (W) 4)
Pant remains defensive for the first five deliveries, before setting off for a run off the last delivery to keep the strike.
After 41 overs,India 110/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , Rishabh Pant (W) 3)
Pujara gets a bat-pad deflection off a length second delivery that falls well short of the short leg fielder, who has been stationed for such chances. Maiden over for Cummins, his second of the innings.
Paine dropped Pant in the last over off Lyon!
Tim Paine catch success since returning to the team:
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) January 10, 2021
v Pace - 93%
v Spin - 77%#AUSvIND
After 40 overs,India 110/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , Rishabh Pant (W) 3)
Pant nearly gets caught behind off Lyon’s bowling at the start of this over, Paine failing to pouch the ball after an outside edge off the southpaw’s bat. Pant, who has been sent out ahead of Hanuma Vihari today, is looking slightly uncomfortable so far today.
After 39 overs,India 110/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , Rishabh Pant (W) 3)
Just the one off Cummins’ over as Pant collects another run for himself, setting off for the non-striker’s end after a miscued pull towards deep square leg off the penultimate delivery.
After 38 overs,India 109/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , Rishabh Pant (W) 2)
Maiden for Lyon, the first of the day, as Pujara blocks around without the intent to collect a run in the 38th.
Bowlers who have dismissed Rahane most across formats:
10 : Nathan Lyon*
9 : Stuart Broad
7 : Steven Finn
After 37 overs,India 109/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 18 , Rishabh Pant (W) 2)
Pujara signals his intent with a well-timed straight drive off the third delivery of the over, the ball then racing away to the fence. Single to Che Pu off the fifth, with Pant steering the ball behind square on the off side for a brace off the last delivery to get off the mark.
After 36 overs,India 102/3 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 13 , Rishabh Pant (W) 0)
Nathan Lyon from the other end. Pujara uses his feet well to push the ball through midwicket off the second delivery, bringing up the 100 for the visitors. Heartbreak for India just two balls later as Rahane’s caught at short leg by Wade, the off-spinner getting the hosts the early breakthrough that they were eyeing at the start of play. Rishabh Pant, who appears to have recovered from the elbow injury —at least to the point that he can bat for the side — is the next man at the crease. Three runs and a wicket from the over.
OUT! Lyon gets Rahane! No big score from the captain today as he gets an inside edge that results in a catch for Wade at short leg! Heartbreak for the visitors early on. IND 102/3
Rahane c Wade b Lyon 4(18)
After 35 overs,India 99/2 ( Cheteshwar Pujara 10 , Ajinkya Rahane (C) 4)
Cummins, bowling the first over of the day, starts off with a couple of length deliveries, both going for dots, Just the one run off the very first over of the day as Cheteshwar Pujara sets off for a single off the fourth delivery of Cummins’ 10th over.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane walk out to the centre along with the 11 Australian players and the two umpires, with the hopes of a billion people resting on their shoulders — their partnership will be key to India’s chances of pulling off a draw today.
Cummins to Pujara at the start of the day. And we’re underway with the fifth and final day!
Well, well, well… someone’s ready to fight all the pain for India’s cause today it seems
How about this! Rishabh Pant practicing the short stuff 👀 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/7XxjC7lAyk
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 10, 2021
Wonder if Pujara can honour ‘The Wall’ on his birthday with a match-saving innings today?
A very happy birthday to Rahul Dravid. Good day to have you batting!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 10, 2021
“Needs to be dealt with an iron fist”
Meanwhile Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his outspoken nature and taking an affirmative stand on many an issue in the sport, has stated that the issue of racism needs to be dealt with an “iron fist” after yet another ugly incident on Sunday involving spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground, targetting primarily pacer Mohammed Siraj.
Click here to read his quotes“Sorry, it is upsetting and it is disappointing” — Langer
Aside from the dropped chances and injuries in the Indian camp, Day 4 also witnessed a couple of members of the touring party face some hostilities from the SCG crowd, which led to the Indian team reporting the issue to the umpires that eventually led to six spectators get ejected from the venue, with pacer Mohammed Siraj allegedly having heard racist abuse from the stands.
Australia coach Justin Langer is among those to have offered an apology to the Indian contingent after the issue blew up on the social media with topics such as racism among the most-discussed topics on Twitter and Cricket Australia too posting an apologetic statement.
Read Langer’s full statement hereCan’t catch a break, can’t catch a ball
Barring yet another quality opening stand by Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma — the latter bringing up a hard-fought half-century before throwing his wicket away, it was another day to forget for the Indians in the Sydney Test with the number of chances getting dropped by the Indian fielders, allowing the Aussies to dictate terms and set a mammoth 407-run target.
Read Yash Jha’s analysis on the fourth day’s play here
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 "Steve Smith's batting experiment ends as he returns to No. 4 slot for India Test series")
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 "Rohit Sharma doesn’t want 'undercooked' Mohammed Shami in Australia, says India will wait for him to regain full fitness")
 "Steve Smith's batting experiment ends as he returns to No. 4 slot for India Test series")
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