India began the fourth day of the Ranchi Test against Australia at 391/6, 60 runs behind the visitors’ first innings total of 451, but the hosts comfortably surpassed it thanks to brilliant knocks from Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha.
Saha joined Pujara in the middle when the hosts were in a spot of bother after being reduced to 328/6. However, both batsmen stitched together a stunning unbeaten partnership of 193* runs (last heard) to not only bail India out of trouble but also put them in a commanding position. Meanwhile, both batsmen reached personal milestones as Pujara completed his third double century in Tests while Saha scored his third century.
Pujara’s marathon knock came off 521 balls and he has now become the Indian batsman to face more than 500 balls in the longest format of the game. His brilliant knock was studded with 21 fours. On the other hand, Saha’s ton came off 214 balls. Last heard, India were 520 for 6, 69 runs ahead of Australia’s first innings total while Pujara and Saha were batting on 200 and 106 respectively.
As expected, fans on social media went berserk after the duo’s remarkable show in the match. Here are some of the best reactions:
Great going Team India, Pujara & Saha brilliant stuff. Another good hour after tea and we should be in a strong position in this Test match
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 19, 2017
Another 200 reasons to like Pujara. #INDvAUS
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 19, 2017
According to the Mumbai Rent Act, @cheteshwar1 would probably have got possession of the pitch based on tenancy laws!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 19, 2017
Cheteshwar Pujara still in a deep state of meditation. ??? #IndvAus
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 19, 2017
Cheteshwar Pujara now played 500 Balls in a Test innings without hitting single six on this T20 era which shows his immense patience…
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 19, 2017
Most Balls played by Indian in away Test: Rahul Dravid..
Most Balls plays by Indian in Home Test: Cheteshwar Pujara..
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/AllTimeBakchod/status/843382510352515072
Cheteshwar Pujara has batted nearly 11 hours in this innings. That's Rohit Sharma's entire test career. #IndvAus
— Stereotypewriter (@babumoshoy) March 19, 2017
It's year 2029,
Kohli and Anushka are married.
Rahane have two kids.
Ishant is playing IPL
And Cheteshwar Pujara is still Batting.#IndvAus— JagdisH Asodariya (@Jagdish_Patel_) March 19, 2017
Playing 505 Balls and 650 Minutes against top quality bowling attack sums the innings played by Cheteshwar Pujara…
One Word: UNBELIEVABLE
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 19, 2017
Dhoni left behind mighty boots to fill but @Wriddhipops hasn't been found wanting…
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 19, 2017
Quietly, efficiently, @Wriddhipops carving his presence in Indian cricket
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 19, 2017
Well done @cheteshwar1 @Wriddhipops top stuff another 100 runs stand will be really good guys. Keep going strong Guys???? @BCCI
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 19, 2017