India finished the second session of final day at 183/3, requiring another 145 runs in 37 overs from the post-Tea period.
Photo: IANS
India on Day 5 look to create history as batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara on Tuesday continued to bat like his usual self, while batsmen from other end tried to chase the target of 328 runs against Australia in the fin Test at The Gabba.
The Ajinkya Rahane-led team are comfortably placed to win the fourth Test as they finished the second session of final day at 183/3, requiring another 145 runs in 37 overs from the post-Tea period.
Earlier, resuming the session at 83/1, talented opener Shubman Gill continued on his development as he went on to play positively and alongside Pujara, collected runs at a brisk rate.
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Gill, who looked reasonably comfortable against the Australian pace attack which resorted to short-pitched stuff, looked all set for what would have been a well-deserved century before he got caught in slips by Steve Smith against Nathan Lyon at his individual score of 91.
Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who came in next, looked positive right from the word go and shared a quick 35-run stand with Pujara.
Rahane, after contributing with 24 off just 22 balls to India’s total, however got out caught behind against Pat Cummins.
India then sent in Pant, instead of Mayank Agarwal, clearly signalling their intentions of going for the win. Pujara (43*) and Pant (10*) then added unbeaten 16 runs off 37 balls before the Tea break.
Earlier, in the morning session, India lost the wicket of Rohit Sharma (7) but scored 79 runs as Gill and Pujara didn’t allow Australia to make inroads into the Indian batting line-up.
India had scored 336 in their first innings in reply to Australia’s 369. The visitors then bowled out Australia for 294 in their second innings, thus setting themselves a target of 328.
Brief scores: India 336 and 183/3 at Tea (Shubman Gill 91, Cheteshwar Pujara 43*; Pat Cummins 2/22) vs Australia 369 and 294
With IANS inputs
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