3rd Test: How unbeaten R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari were saviours at SCG

That's what India's unbeaten R Ashwin (39 off 128 balls) and Hanuma Vihari (23 off 161) proved to be as the visitors drew the third Test v Australia at the SCG

The Sydney Test was still four days away and it appeared from Hanuma Vihari’s body language as he sat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground nets that he would be the man who’d be axed for the third Test at Sydney. But Vihari had the backing of the team management, who gave him the message that they trusted his ability and that it was only a matter of time before he made India proud.

As the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground clock ticked past 6.14 pm, Vihari could held his head up high. He batted for close to three hours on one leg and ensured India drew the third Test to keep the series at 1-1 with one match remaining.  Despite his heroics, Vihari walked towards the dressing room as if he hadn’t achieved anything. But his teammates knew the importance of his innings.  From Rishabh Pant to Prithvi Shaw, all embraced him.  Vihari deserved all the glory. After all, he had stood firm on the fifth day pitch against a bowling unit that is arguably one of the greatest in Australian Test history.

Vihari wasn’t the only hero of the day.  Cheteshwar Pujara and R Ashwin also deserve plenty of applause.  Pujara had been heavily criticised for lack of intent in the first innings, but shrugged the doubters and trusted his methods. When the ball was 78 overs old, he even rocked back and played a pull shot that sped to the fence. Pujara knew run-scoring would be tough against the second new ball so he shifted gears.  It was great match awareness mixed with abundance of experience.  

Unfortunately for him, for the second time in the match,  he got an almost unplayable ball. But he had done his job, having proved his doubters wrong again. Ashwin has had a superb tour with the ball and in the field. The confidence he has gained was bound to reflect in his batting. Overall, the last two years have been lean with the bat (he averages just 8.15), but when it mattered most, he held up against Australia’s bodyline tactics. 

Tweet talk

Sourav Ganguly @SGanguly99:
Hope all of us realise the importance of Pujara, Pant and Ashwin in cricket teams. Batting at 3 in Test cricket against quality bowling is not always hitting through the line. Almost 400 Test wickets don’t come just like that.well fought, India. Time to win the series @bcci.

Sachin Tendulkar @sachin_rt:
Really proud of #TeamIndia! Special mention to @RishabhPant17, @cheteshwar1, @ashwinravi99 and @Hanumavihari for the roles they’ve played. 

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