India pull off a remarkable draw by losing just three wickets on final day to frustrate Australia and take thrilling series to a deciding fourth Test
India’s batsmen pulled off a great escape in Sydney to take their thrilling series with Australia to a deciding fourth Test later this week.
Australia needed eight wickets on the final day to claim victory but could manage only three as Rishabh Pant hit 97 off 118 balls and Cheteshwar Pujara dug in with 77.
Hanuma Vihari and Ravi Ashwin guided India over the line as Australia’s bowlers failed to take any wickets in the evening session at the SCG, thanks in large part to captain Tim Paine dropping three catches.
Ravichandran Ashwin (left) and Hanuma Vihari batted India to an improbable draw at the SCG
Australia’s Nathan Lyon appeals unsuccessfully for Vihari’s dismissal on the fifth day
Mitchell Starc sums up a day of frustration for Australia as they only took three wickets
Australia captain Tim Paine congratulates not out batsman Ravi Ashwin at stumps
The 131 overs batted is the most India have got through in the fourth innings of a Test match since 1980.
It means the series is delicately-poised at 1-1 entering Friday’s final Test in Brisbane.
More to follow.