Cheteshwar Pujara produced yet another classy hundred and stitched a 170-run partnership with captain Virat Kohli (82) to put India in command against Australia on the second day of the third Test in Melbourne on Thursday.
Pujara hit his second century of the series. Kohli, who contributed a significant 82 off 204 balls, made a declaration and finished India’s first innings at 443 for 7.
Rohit Sharma ended on 63 not out off 114 balls, inclusive of five fours, while Pat Cummins was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 3/72 in 34 overs.
At stumps, Australia were placed at 8 for no loss from 6 overs with openers Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris were both unbeaten on 3 and 5 respectively. India lead by 435 runs.
Earlier, on Day 1, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were at the crease.
Hanuma Vihari was the wicket that fell. He was out for just 8 off paceman Pat Cummins.
India had won the toss and opted to bat.This is the third Test of the 4-match series. The series is currently tied at 1-1. India had won the first game at Adelaide by 31 runs. The Aussies bounced back with a 146-run win in the second Test at Perth.
This Melbourne Test is also known as the Boxing Day Test. The Boxing Day Test is a match held in Melbourne involving the Australian team and a team touring during the southern summer.
It begins annually on Boxing Day, that is one day after Christmas.
Oh what a feeling! 😎🔝🇮🇳🙌🏻
17th Test ton for @cheteshwar1 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/1RIaLiJa4W— BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2018