Hyderabad Test: Australia 74/2 at stumps against India on Day 3
Hyderabad: India took a stranglehold of the second cricket Test against a hapless Australia on Monday. Cheteshwara Pujara’s masterly knock of 204 and his record 370-run partnership with Murali Vijay (167) helped India pile up a commanding 503, giving the hosts a lead of 266 runs on the third day at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
At the close of play, Australia required another 192 runs to avoid an innings defeat, and Mahendra Singh Dhoniand Co going 2-0 up in the four-match series seemed inevitable.
With still two more days to go, the question now is not how but when will India wrap up the match.
They were a bit unlucky however, as the pair failed to surpass the V V S Laxman-Rahul Dravid’s record partnership of 376 runs (for any wicket) against Australia at the Eden Gardens, by seven runs.
However, the Tamil Nadu opener had done his job by then, and secured the opening slot for the time being.
Vijay’s performance would certainly put a lot of pressure on the national selectors to axe out-of-form Virender Sehwag, as they select the squad for the last two matches at the end of this Test.
