Cheteshwar Pujara scored a fine century on Day 3 of the third Test in Ranchi against Australia, a knock which is definitely one of the most important he has played for India.
Play on Day 3 ends & @cheteshwar1 remains unconquered on 130 with @Wriddhipops on 18. #TeamIndia 360/6 and trail by 91 runs #IndvAus pic.twitter.com/TXKhi9GNIh
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 18, 2017
The hosts have not been under pressure with such consistency as they have been in the current series and with the better-rated players struggling to come to terms with issues on and off the field, it is left to Pujara’s understated determination to keep India in the fray.
This is Pujara’s 11th Test century and given the situation of the Ranchi match, every run scored was vital and Pujara did that with grit.
Mr. Consistent @cheteshwar1 brings up his 11th Test ton in style #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/v82cSs1u3Y
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 18, 2017
He struggled to accelerate at times, but the time he took in the crease may also be worth its weight in gold if India want to get out of the match with honours intact.
Overnight 10 after India resumed on 120 for 1, Pujara soaked the pressure and built his innings beautifully. A classical cover drive against Pat Cummins brought up his hundred from 214 balls.
Returning to action after a freak shoulder injury on day one, Kohli (6 from 23 balls) had a testing 37-minute vigil at the crease before being dismissed in a soft manner by Cummins immediately after the new ball was taken in the 81st over.
Cummins prised out key wickets of Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane (14) en route to his 3/49 as Indians threw their wickets cheaply on a flat track of JSCA International Stadium Complex hosting its maiden Test.
Kohli never looked his usual self and took his time in an uncharacteristic slow innings as Australian spinners bowled in tandem to the Indian skipper. Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe attacked Kohli on the roughs outside the leg hoping to get a leading edge.
Australia took the second new ball immediately after 80 overs and Cummins earned them the most prized wicket of Kohli.
Yet to get into his rhythm, Kohli went for an expansive drive outside the off-stump as the ball flew to second slip where Steve Smith held on to the catch at shoulder height and the Australian camp jumped in joy.
Rahane looked to give Pujara a perfect support as the duo completed a third 50-plus partnership of the match. But immediately after that Rahane lost his patience and tried for an uppercut to nick one to the wicketkeeper.
