A marathon century by Cheteshwar Pujara and a swashbuckling ton from Rishabh Pant all but ended Australia’s hopes of saving the Test series as India built a massive 622 for seven (declared) in the fourth and final Test match being played in Sydney.
The methodical Pujara made a masterful 193 off 373 balls while Pant scored his highest Test score in an entertaining 159 not-out.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with a lively 81 in a 204-run stand with Pant – a record seventh-wicket partnership at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Indian captain Virat Kohli finally declared when Jadeja got out, with the tireless Nathan Lyon picking up 4-178 off 57.2 gruelling overs.
It left new-look Australian openers Marcus Harris (19) and Usman Khawaja (5) to negotiate 10 tricky overs before stumps after a torturous day in the field. They ended at 24 without loss.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Test match batting at its best by Pujara. @cheteshwar1 has been the difference between the 2 teams for me. To be able to bat for such long periods of time is a testament to his concentration and understanding of the game. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/7GJmJieOAk
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 4, 2019
A great lesson to all batsmen in the series and tests in general. @cheteshwar1 showing how trusting your strengths and being unashamedly dogged in technique and concentration brings great rewards.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) January 4, 2019
A true Test star’s knock Cheteshwar Pujara & never mind missing that double century. More will come. A worthy successor to Rahul Dravid at no. 3.
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) January 4, 2019
Fast and furious, @RishabPant777 doing what he knows best. What an achievement! @cheteshwar1 always the backbone of our attack. Strong & steady! #power #INDvsAUS
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 4, 2019
Tremendous innings from @RishabPant777 159* 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🏏
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 4, 2019
After Pujara’s brilliant 193, Rishabh Pant has assured that India put the game firmly out of Australia’s grip. Very impressed by his temperament today and congratulations to him on his 2nd overseas 100, 1 in Eng and now 1 in Aus, only the 2nd wk after Jeff Dujjon to do so pic.twitter.com/uSg60n98nb
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 4, 2019
Yes pantyyy lad!!! 💯 @RishabPant777 bosh!!!
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) January 4, 2019
Chitt ke Ishwar, another name for Lord Shiva – Cheteshwar Pujara.
Destroyed Australia’s chances in the series, most number of balls batted by an Indian in a series against Australia. Outstanding 193, memorable knock pic.twitter.com/jEcTWhs7kQ— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 4, 2019
Wham 💥- well done @RishabPant777!!!!!! 🏏🔥🇮🇳
— Pallavi Sharda (@pallavisharda) January 4, 2019
What a knock u beauty little dynamite @RishabPant777 👏👏👏🔥🔥😊🇮🇳💪💪 💯⭐️
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) January 4, 2019
Confident declarations in this series shows the dominance of this Indian side. India have two spinners this time. Should be an exciting game!#AUSvIND
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) January 4, 2019
Congratulations Jaddu on the Fifty. #Jadeja #AusvInd Ravindra Jadeja pic.twitter.com/lrEOdXzaVX
— Saravanan Hari 💛🦁🏏 (@CricSuperFan) January 4, 2019
Unsheath and twirl away, Sir Jadeja. #AUSvIIND
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/ChaharDeepak9/status/1081074958296539137
Batsmen around the world need to take a leaf out of Pujara’s batting.@cheteshwar1 has been gritty, patient and he put a price on his wicket and this is Test match batting done right. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/CvF5iOFIIp
— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) January 4, 2019
First Indian Keeper to score a Test ton in England.
First Indian keeper to score a Test ton in Australia.
And it’s only his 9th Test. What an asset he can be in times to come…. #AusvInd #7cricket @7Cricket @1116sen— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 4, 2019
Top top knock from @RishabPant777 , controlled aggression. Would have been tempted to throw his bat around in the current circumstances #AUSvIND
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) January 4, 2019
Bravo @RishabPant777 & @cheteshwar1 showing everyone what you need to do score runs away from home. Impressive to watch #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/smnyvowfhj
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 4, 2019
The SIR sword! Teamed up with Rishabh Pant for a super partnership, scoring a quickfire 81 off 114 balls! #WhistlePodu #AUSvIND #Yellove 💛🦁 PC: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/WNkmhQrACf
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 4, 2019
Highest scores by a visiting wicket-keeper in Australia
169 – AB de Villiers (Perth) Nov 2012
140*- Rishabh Pant (Sydney) today#AusvInd#AusvsInd— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2019
