New Delhi: Pujara and Saha survived one DRS call each but remained solid to lead India to 435 for 6 at lunch on Day 4, only 16 runs shy of Australia’s first innings total.
Resuming the day at 360 for 6, India had a dream session by managing to bat through without losing a wicket.
Pujara went past 150 in a herculean effort where he has already batted more than an entire day, facing 438 balls.
If Pujara was in meditation mode then he was backed up by an equally determent Saha, who scored his fifth Test fifty to pile on Australia’s misery.
The scene, however, could have been different had there been no DRS. India finally managed to get a hold of its DRS calls as both Saha and Pujara used it to reverse the decisions in their favour. (Saha survives with DRS; SMith and Cummins livid)
Puajara (164*) and Saha (59*) have put on an invaluable 107 run stand for the seventh wicket.
India now is almost certain to go past Australia’s first innings total and thereby ensuring only two results possible – an India win or a pale draw.
The pitch is still good for batting; however, if India manage to get a 50 plus lead then Ashwin and Jadeja could prove to be dangerous with their guile and bag full of experience on these surfaces.
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