SYDNEY (Reuters) – Rishabh Pant brought the fight to Australia with a blistering half-century to help India to 206 for three on the final day of the third Test on Monday but the tourists will start on the -their engines after lunch still run 200 in arrears.
India had started a sunny day at Sydney Cricket Ground on a 98-2 run on an unlikely victory target of 407 and were immediately on the back foot when Ajinkya Rahane was sent off in the the second round of play.
73 from 97 balls, however, gave them hope of taking away a stunning win that would give them a 2-1 lead ahead going into the final test in Brisbane.
The goalkeeper was skeptical of a serious injury on Saturday after suffering a serious blow to his elbow but showed no signs of obstruction as he pumped two big sixes off Nathan Lyon to move to the edge of the third half. during him.
Cheteshwar Pujara was the chalk to Pant cheese, adding 41 runs from 147 deliveries to a 104-run partnership at the break.
Australia pushed their hopes on Lyon’s by-pass to make a big impact on a declining five-day wicket and he didn’t waste time in putting Rahane back for four, Matthew Wade taking the catch off the inner edge of the short leg.
The guests will remain strong fans to win, especially with India’s Ravindra Jadeja not promising a batting after he spread his thumb in the first innings.
Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, edited by Peter Rutherford