Xtra Time Web Desk: An under fire Chetshwar Pujara displayed tremendous resolve as India reached 215/2 at stumps on Day 3. Pujara is batting on 91 along with Indian captain Virat Kohli on 39*. The duo has so far stitched an unbeaten partnership of 99 runs to raise some hope as the visitors still trail by 139 runs with two days left in the match.
Pujara played one of the most aggressive knocks in his test career as he smashed 16 boundaries in his 180 ball knock. The batsman from Sourashtra overshadowed the efforts from Virat Kohli (39*) and Rohit Sharma (59). This knock may be enough to give Pujara’s career a new lease of life. A pull shot off Ollie Robinson to reach his half century was a big statement to his detractors.
Rohit Sharma (59 off 156 balls) too displayed near-impregnable defence countering the threat from Anderson & co. Despite losing KL Rahul, Rohit and Pujara kept building the partnership as they added 82 runs for the second wicket.
Indian captain too looked good as he played some crushing cover drives during his knock. Kohli also ensured that his bat remained closed to his body while dealing with those bowled in the corridor of uncertainty. The key for India will be to bat as long as they can if they want to save this test match.
Earlier in the India, England were bowled out for 432 runs, giving them a lead for 354 runs.