The Indian cricket team batted heroically and showed admirable character as they saved the third Test in Sydney. Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin batted for 42 overs and helped India avoid certain defeat. Prior to Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin's magnificent knock, Cheteshwar Pujara once again showed the values of Test batting as he consumed more than 300 balls for his brilliant knock of 77. Ajinkya Rahane, the Indian cricket team skipper, rightly labelled this result as an 'equivalent of a victory'. Following the win, there were joyous scenes in the Indian cricket team dressing room with all the players hailing Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The celebrations went well into the night as well. Rohit Sharma, on his Instagram story, uploaded the celebrations that took place in Rishabh Pant's room. However, the state of the room was in a mess. During coronavirus times, it would have made a bit more sense to ensure that the surroundings would have been left clean. Although there has been no official complaint from the hotel authorities, the image that was presented, especially in the time of the pandemic was not ideal. The hotel staff would have had a tough time in cleaning up the mess.
Injury concerns for India
There are plenty of injury concerns for India heading into the Brisbane Test against Australia on January 15. Jasprit Bumrah, their spearhead, has been ruled out of the Test due to an abdominal strain. Ravindra Jadeja is also out due to a injured thumb while Hanuma Vihari has been ruled out of both the Brisbane Test and the series against England due to a grade 2 hamstring tear. Rishabh Pant had to take painkillers in order to bat in the fourth innings after he was hit on the elbow by a short ball from Pat Cummins.
India will be fielding a totally different line-up in Brisbane as they aim to become the first nation in 32 years to beat Australia in their fortress of the Gabba. Australia last lost to the West Indies in 1988 but since then, they have a fabulous record at the venue. The four-match series is level 1-1.
