India vs Australia ended in a draw, but was a true show of grit. With exchange of words between the two teams before the match, the contest was highly anticipated. The match started out cold but heated up towards the end with India nearly winning the game. Australia won the toss and decided to bat first on yet another turning pitch at Ranchi.
Australia took control of the game with captain Steve Smith scoring yet another century against India. Opening pair Matt Renshaw and David Warner started off quickly scoring 50 runs in the first ten overs. But it was the captain Steve Smith who played beautifully batting throughout the Australian innings. He and Glenn Maxwell tormented Indian Bowlers for the first day. Maxwell scored a century as well and built a strong partnership with the captain. Ravindra Jadeja turned the game around for India picking up 5 wickets including Glenn Maxwell’s to wrap up the Australian innings at 451.
Jadeja turned the game around with both the ball and the bat.
India in its first innings started out strong as well. KL Rahul and Murali Vijay both batted patiently and both scored half centuries. Captain Kohli who injured his shoulder on day 1 failed to impress with the bat again. He was dismissed for single digit score by Pat Cummins. Australia had India in a lot of trouble with the dismissal of Kohli.
But Cheteshwar Pujara stepped up to the occasion and showed why he is one of the best test cricketers in India. Pujara over a span of two days batted for a mammoth 11 hours, faced 525 balls and scored his third international double century. He and keeper Wriddhiman Saha partnered for 199 runs to turn the game around for India. The momentum for India did not stop after the dismissal of Pujara and Saha on day 4. Jadeja once again proved his mettle as an All rounder scoring a quick fire 54 off 55 balls to power the Indian innings to 603 runs before Kohli declared near the end of Day 4.
India came into day 5 breathing fire after Jadeja quickly dismissed Warner and nightwatchman Lyon at the end of Day 4. Australia had their backs up against the wall but a patient innings by Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb made sure Australia draw the game.
The series is tied after 3 games making the final game more interesting than ever. Expect high fireworks and a hard fought battle between the two teams.With the series level at 1-1, the Dharamsala Test becomes a virtual final. India would have to win there to snatch back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while all Australia would need is a draw, since they are the holders.
