Ranchi: When it all looked like curtains to the series, Australian middle order batsmen peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh stood tall on the brittle fifth day pitch against ace Indian turners to draw the test. Australia’s second innings score was 202-6 when Virat Kohli decided to shake hands with Handscomb. However, Cheteshwar Pujara was declared as man of the match for his marathon 202 runs innings.
After an overnight score of 23-2, Australia lost 2 wickets before the lunch. But Right hand and the left hand combination clicked for Australia and team went into tea with 6 wickets in hand. Handscomb and Marsh completed their fifty post tea. After fortifying the lead in final session Australia lost Marsh and Maxwell but Handscomb and Wade ensured the team is in the safe zone without any further hiccups. The series is evenly poised with 1-1. (WD)