Pujara, Rahane keep India afloat in second test

Reuters: Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane shared an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 93 to keep alive India’s hopes of a series-levelling win over Australia, giving the hosts a lead of 126 on a see-saw third day of the second test on Monday.

India’s chances appeared slim when paceman Josh Hazlewood’s triple strike helped Australia reduce them to 120 for four before tea and the touring side looked favourites to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

But Pujara and Rahane batted through the final session to ensure India will set them a decent target to chase on a difficult pitch.

At close of play, Pujara was unbeaten on 79 with Rahane on 40 to take India, who lost the opening test of the four-match series by 333 runs, to 213 for four.

Earlier, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja took six for 63 as India fought back to dismiss the tourists for 276 in the morning session before Hazlewood’s haul swung the test back in Australia’s favour.