India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4: Pujara’s double-ton propels India to 603/9

Middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara scored an imposing double-century as India declared their first innings for a mammoth total of 603/9 on the fourth day of the third Test.

At the tail-end, Ravindra Jadeja (54*) and Ishant Sharma (0*) were batting when skipper Virat Kohli decided to declare the innings with a 152-run lead against Australia at the JSCA International Stadium Complex.  

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Earlier taking the Ranchi spectators off their feet, Pujara played a marathon innings as he batted for 668 minutes, facing 525 balls. 

This was the record-longest innings by an Indian as Pujara broke Rahul Dravid’s record, who batted for 495 deliveries in a Test match in 2004.

The 29-year-old scored his third double-century when India needed the most and put a mammoth 199-run partnership stand with Wriddhiman Saha for the seventh-wicket.

The 32-year-old wicketkeeper batsman Saha was another delight to watch as he smashed 117 runs off 233 balls. He scored his third Test century, well graced by eight boundaries and a six.