India vs Australia Highlights, 3rd Test: Injured Vihari, Ashwin grind out a draw against Australia

Brilliant rearguard action by India. The 148-run stand between Rishabh Pant (97) and Cheteshwar Pujara (77) kept India in the hunt. Pant braved injury to play a heroic knock, Pujara dropped anchor to frustrate Aussies. Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin then braved out the bouncer barrage from the Aussies. Vihari got an injured hamstring and couldn't run, Ashwin was hit more than a couple of times by short-pitched deliveries, but that did not deter them from getting behind the line even though that meant bringing their bruised bodies in the way. That's what Test cricket is all about, not to give away even an inch to your opponents, no matter what. The scorecard will show that Vihari faced more than 150 balls for less than 25 runs but won't show his resolute and brave defence. Both Vihari and Ashwin braved out everything that the Aussies threw at them. So two injured men (Pant and Vihari) played brilliantly for India today and the third injured player (Jadeja) was all padded up in the pavillion to bat if the need arose. But that did not happen as Vihari and Ashwin defied the Aussies brilliantly. Ashwin played Lyon brilliantly, had rock solid defence, went on the front foot and played the ball right under his eyes. Vihari (23* off 161) and Ashwin (39* off 128) added only 62 runs for the sixth wicket but it was consuming 259 deliveries as a batting pair that made the difference. The two combined faced 289 deliveries. The last Test India played in Sydney was also drawn. But at that time India were looking very good for a win till weather intervened.

Indian second innings lasted 131 overs: This is the most overs batted by India in fourth innings in a drawn Test since 1979. Most in this century and first time outside of India since 1979

The four-match series is still level at 1-1

Injured Vihari, Ashwin grind out a draw against Australia

And the Aussies have decided enough is enough, shaking hands with Vihari and Ashwin

SIX BALLS TO GO NOW!

One of the greatest escapes

OVERS 130.1: FOUR! Vihari flicks a Starc delivery to the fine leg fence

12 balls left now for India to draw this match

OVERS 129.1: FOUR! Ashwin pulls a Hazlewood delivery to the square leg fence

OVERS 128.6: FOUR! Vihari cuts uppishly through backward point for his third boundary. 50-run stand up between Vihari and Ashwin off 247 balls, Brilliant

Absolute savage reply by Ashwin

The Australians have grown visibly frustrated in front of the defiance showed by the Indian batsmen. A number of throws by fielders were aimed at Indian batsmen's bodies. Hanuma Vihari took a few such unnecessary blows on his body

Six overs left, Starc continues round the wicket

9 overs left now

OVERS 122.5: DROPPED! Vihari edges a Starc delivery and Paine dives to his right but drops the catch, the frustration continues for the Aussies. For all the chatter from behind the stumps, the Australian captain can't hold on to his catches, has dropped three in this innings

10 overs to go, Aussies still need 5 wickets and Starc replaces Cummins in the attack

Too much chatter by the Aussies around the bat, Ashwin pulls away thrice against Lyon, he is well within his rights to do so

OVERS 120.4: FOUR! Vihari edges a Cummins delivery for his second boundary

OVERS 120.1: FOUR! Vihari edges a Cummins delivery over the slips for his FIRST boundary after 125 deliveries