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IND vs AUS: Pujara hits 21st Test fifty, India 174/2 after 71 overs

WION Web Team
Melbourne VIC, AustraliaUpdated: Dec 26, 2018, 11:13 AM IST
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File photo of Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. Photograph:(AFP)

Story highlights

Agarwal, who opened along with Hanuma Vihari, departed after making crucial 76 runs on his debut game. His 161-ball inning included eight boundaries and a six.

Australian pacer Pat Cummins stuck for the second time to dismiss debutant Mayank Agarwal, who slammed a brilliant half-century to put India in a commanding position against Australia on the first day of the third Test match in Melbourne.

Agarwal, who opened along with Hanuma Vihari, departed after making crucial 76 runs on his debut game. His 161-ball inning included eight boundaries and a six.

Vihari's wicket was the first blood which Australian drew in the initial hours of the Boxing Day Test.
  
Mayank, who found a perfect partner in Chesteshwar Pujara, was composed throughout his inning and hit some shots which highlight talent the young batsman possess. To reach his maiden fifty, the opener came down the track and drilled it back past the non-striker for a four.

Pujara, on the other hand, went on to hit his 21st Test half-century. He reached the 50-digit mark after facing 154 balls. 

After 71 overs, India's total stands at 174 for the loss of two wickets. 

Earlier, Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat in the third Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on Wednesday.

Speaking after the toss, Kohli said, " We will make the first use of this surface. This pitch looks like a nice one but it looks bit dry. So, it is going to become slower and slower. We are taking this Test as the last Test of this tour. We want to be at our best for this match."

"We have made three changes to the team. Hanuma Vihari has batted at three all his life, he has shown good technique and he will open. We considered opening with Rohit but he is so dangerous with the tail-enders so we wanted him to play freely. Jadeja has come in place of Umesh Yadav."

The hosts defeated India in the second Test to level the series 1-1.