AUS vs IND | Happy with the way in which we fought, Ashwin-Vihari confirmed character: Ajinkya Rahane

Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Chasing a mammoth goal of 407, India reached 334/5 batting for 131 overs earlier than each the groups determined to shake fingers on the ultimate day of the Test match.
India skipper Ajinkya Rahane on Monday lauded his group’s preventing spirit and character after the guests batted all the fifth day to attract the third Test towards Australia on the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Chasing a mammoth goal of 407, India reached 334/5 batting for 131 overs earlier than each the groups determined to shake fingers on the ultimate day of the Test match.

Australia had posted 338 of their first innings after which bowled out India for 244, thus attaining a 94-run lead. The hosts declared their second innings at 312/6, setting a 407-run goal.

Starting the ultimate day at 98/2, India wanted 309 runs and had their backs towards the wall.

“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end and not to think about the result. I am really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200/2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good,” Rahane mentioned on the post-match presentation ceremony whereas speaking concerning the mindset of the Indian group earlier than coming into the ultimate day.

India misplaced Rahane very early on Day Five and put the hosts in a commanding place. But Cheteshwar Pujara (77) and Rishabh Pant (97) shared a 148-run partnership for the fifth wicket and introduced the guests again into the match.

After their dismissals, Hanuma Vihari (23*) and Ravichandran Ashwin shared an unbeaten 62-run partnership, which batting out for 259 balls as India denied Australia with a chance to go 2-1 up within the ongoing four-Test collection.

Rahane, whereas praising Vihari and Ashwin, mentioned that there are just a few areas the place the group wants to enhance earlier than the final Test.

“There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see,” mentioned the stand-in India skipper.

Australia had received the primary Test by eight wickets in Adelaide whereas India registered a shocking comeback in Melbourne, profitable the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets.

The collection, at the moment tied at 1-1, will now be determined within the ultimate Test starting Friday at The Gabba in Brisbane.