Australia vs India 2018-19: 4th Test Match, Day 2 - Lunch Report

India was once again patient in their approach as Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari started on a cautious note. Vihari and Pujara kept the Australian bowlers at bay as they picked their runs at a snail’s pace. However, Vihari could not make the most of his start as he went for the expensive sweep shot.

Vihari got a faint edge which loft to short leg, Marnus Labuschagne. In fact, Vihari was confident that he didn’t get any bat to ball and it had come out of his biceps. However, it wasn’t to be the case as the Snickometer showed a little spike. Thus, Ian Gould remained with his on-field decision.

Pujara – The spine of Indian batting.

However, Cheteshwar Pujara continued from where he left on the opening of the final and fourth Test match. Pujara gave the first half-an-hour to the Australian bowlers and then went on with his business of picking the two’s.

Pujara once again batted with gumption and completed his 150 before the lunch session. Hence, he would like to continue in the similar fashion and get to his double hundred.

Cheteshwar Pujara was given good support by Rishabh Pant. The southpaw batsman was able to hit the ground running and played with guile. Pant kept his temptation to go for the big shot in his closet and batted the way he was supposed to do rather than what he wanted to do.

Consequently, it is good to note that Pant showed that maturity to bat with determination and didn’t gifted his wicket away. Meanwhile, Pujara was once again rock solid and Australian bowlers are still looking for the code to breach his defence.

Nathan Lyon was the only bowler who scalped the solitary wicket in the opening session. In fact, Rishabh Pant also had a lucky escape when there was no snick despite some sound. India added 86 runs in the opening session for the loss of one wicket.

Brief Scores:

India: 389-5, Cheteshwar Pujara: 181* (332)