4th Test: Pujara holds ground as India need 145 to win in final session

Brisbane, Jan 19 : Batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara on Tuesday continued to bat like his usual self, despite coping numerous blows on his hands and helmet, as he helped India reach 183/3 at Tea on the last day of the fourth and final Test against Australia at The Gabba.
At the end of the second session in which 100 runs were scored in 25 overs, the match was nicely placed as India need 145 more to register what would be an incredible win while the hosts need seven wickets to seal the four-match series.
Earlier, resuming the session at 83/1, talented opener Shubman Gill continued to play positively and alongside Pujara, collected runs at a brisk rate. The 21-year-old, 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.