Australia vs India: Draw At SCG A Tough One To Swallow: Tim Paine

Australia skipper Tim Paine has rued his and his teammates’ failure to make the chances count on the fifth day of the just-concluded third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite remaining in the driver’s seat for the first four days of the game, Australia could not register a win as India went on to salvage a famous draw.

After setting the visitors an improbable target of 407, Australia had reduced them to 102 for 3 early on day five. But from thereon, nothing much went their way as India put up a brave fight with the bat. Rishabh Pant launched a stunning counter attack and slammed 97 off 118 balls while Cheteshwar Pujara scored 77.

Australia revived their hopes by dismissing both the batsmen in quick succession in the second session but Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin dashed their hopes. The duo batted for more than 40 overs and three hours before both the teams shook hands when one over was left. Vihari faced 161 balls for his 23 runs while Ashwin faced 128 balls for 39 runs to earn Team India one of their most memorable draws. India finished their innings on 334 for 5.

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— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2021

Here’s what Tim Paine said after the game:

Speaking at the end of the game, Tim Paine started by saying that the draw was a tough pill to swallow. He lavished praise on spinner Nathan Lyon before reiterating his team’s failure to hold on to the catches. Tim Paine himself dropped Pant twice and Vihari once during a crucial stage. The Australia star concluded by highlighting the positives for his team from the game.

“I thought we created enough chances to win the game, this one’s a tough one to swallow. Our bowlers were superb, Lyon bowled well. Just that we (especially me) didn’t hold onto our catches. Looking forward to Brisbane. We didn’t play our best in the last two games, but we were somewhat good with the bat in this Test,” said Tim Paine.

“There were a few positives for us, our bowlers created plenty of chances. Today was a whole-hearted effort from the boys, just that things didn’t go our way. I think having two young kids (Pucovski and Green) playing Test cricket, it’s a great thing as they were sensational. I thought Green was fantastic yesterday,” he added.

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