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3rd Test: Australia 8 for no loss at stumps on day 2, India declare at 443/7

WION Web Team
Melbourne VIC, AustraliaUpdated: Dec 27, 2018, 01:03 PM IST
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File photo of Australian Test cricket Team. Photograph:(PTI)

Story highlights

Openers Marcus Harris (5) and Aaron Finch (3) were at the crease at close of play.

In reply to India's mammoth 443, Australia were eight for no loss at stumps after Virat Kohli declared his side's inning to make the hosts bat for the remaining six overs of Day 2 of the third Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Openers Marcus Harris (5) and Aaron Finch (3) were at the crease at close of play.

India's massive total was powered by a classic century from Cheteshwar Pujara (106) and half-centuries from skipper Virat Kohli (82), debutant opener Mayank Agarwal (76) and Rohit Sharma (63 not out).

Pujara's brilliant inning ended after the right-handed batsman lost his wicket to a low ball of Australian pacer Pat Cummins. The 30-year old was sent back to the pavilion minutes after Indian skipper Virat Kohli was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.

India reached 277 for loss of two wickets at lunch on the second day. Pujara, who resumed the inning on Day 2 at 68, went on to hit his 17th Test century to put India in a dominating position while skipper Kohli reached his half-century early today.

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane made 34 while and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant contributed 39 to add to Australia's woes. 

For the hosts, pacer Pat Cummins emerged the hero returning with figures of 3/72 while Mitchell Starc contributed with two wickets. Josh Hazlewood and lone spinner Nathan Lyon worked hard for their one wicket apiece.