Pujara double tightens India's hang on

http://cricinfonews24.blogspot.com

India 503 (154.1 ov)

India lead by 266 runs in the 1st innings

 
Cheteshwar Pujara and M Vijay set about contravention a bunch of records on the third morning in Hyderabad as India expanded their lead to 163 by lunch. Both batsmen were dismissed towards lunch but not before depositing on 370 runs, India's largest second-wicket partnership and the country's fourth biggest overall. Though Vijay missed out on a double-century, Pujara underlined his reputation as a big-innings player with his second Test 200.

As on the second day, India began cautiously despite having Australia on the mat. After a handful of watchful over’s in the morning, though, Vijay and Pujara unfurled their strokes. Once again Australia's spinners couldn't maintain a good length, producing plenty of boundary balls. Pujara repeatedly played what is becoming his signature shot - the powerful cut in front of point - and Vijay played plenty of effortless and easy-on-the-eye drives.

The frustration increased for Australia as a close call for lbw against Pujara was turned down off Xavier Doherty in the 106th over and a Vijay outside edge flew through the vacant first slip in the 109th.

Finally, there was some relief for Australia when the much-criticized Glenn Maxwell got one delivery to spin and bounce forcing Vijay to edge it to backward-short leg. It had been almost 110 overs since their previous wicket. If Australia were lifted by that breakthrough, their mood would have been tempered by the boisterous cheers that greeted the new batsman, Sachin Tendulkar.

Pujara continued his free-scoring, and got to his double with a stylish on-drive after dancing down the track. He celebrated with gusto, as did his wife Puja, but the innings soon ended. He had spoken about how the hook is not his strength, and though he had played it with panache to reach his 150, it led to his demise once more, with a sharp catch at long leg.

Australia's spinners have combined bowling figures of 203 for 1 in this game. While they continued to toil, where the match stands was reiterated when the camera panned to the Indian spinners in the dressing room, showing them lounging in shorts and sharing some laughs.