Lagatar24 Desk
Melbourne: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant mounted a determined resistance against Australia on Day 5 of the Melbourne Test, ensuring no further damage in the second session. Jaiswal, with his 14th Test fifty—his second of the match—and Pant guided India to Tea at 112/3, 228 runs behind the target. The duo not only added crucial runs but also batted out valuable overs, leaving 38 to be played in the final session.
Jaiswal, who faced a fiery spell from Mitchell Starc earlier, found some reprieve after Lunch, taking advantage of a relatively placid fifth-day pitch. His second half-century of the game came off 127 balls, the slowest in his career, showcasing his focus and grit.
Meanwhile, Pant displayed uncharacteristic restraint, curbing his natural instincts to attack Nathan Lyon and the part-time spinners brought on later. His composed 28 off 93 balls provided a steady anchor for India.
The partnership was a welcome sight after India’s top-order collapse. Pat Cummins struck twice in the first session, removing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, while Virat Kohli fell to an outswinger, leaving India reeling. However, Jaiswal and Pant’s partnership ensured a fightback, denying Australia any breakthroughs in the second session.
Australia, eager to secure a win, was left frustrated by the resistance from the pair. Pant, particularly criticized for his first-innings dismissal, silenced critics with his disciplined knock.
Brief Scores:
•India: 369 & 112/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 63*, Rishabh Pant 28*, Pat Cummins 2-19, Mitchell Starc 1-24)
•Australia: 474 & 234 (Marnus Labuschagne 70, Jasprit Bumrah 5-56, Mohammed Siraj 3-70)
•India trails by 228 runs.
