adminPUNE. – All-rounder Glenn Maxwell hailed his “awesome” skipper Steve Smith after the duo’s 191-run partnership helped Australia post a formidable first innings total against India in the third test in Ranchi yesterday.
Maxwell, returning to the five-day side after nearly three years in the wilderness, cracked his maiden test century on day two but it was Smith’s unbeaten 178 that was the bedrock of the tourists’ 451.
Opener Lokesh Rahul led India’s strong reply in the final session with the hosts ending the day on 120 for one. India still trail the visitors by 331 runs.
Murali Vijay (42) and Cheteshwar Pujara (10) were batting at the break after Rahul was out caught behind for 67 off fast bowler Pat Cummins.
Rahul, who hit 9 fours in his 102-ball stay, registered his fourth fifty of the series to put on 91 runs with opening partner Vijay. But it was the epic partnership between Smith and Maxwell that steered Australia to the highest total of the series so far after the visitors resumed the day on 299-4. – SuperSport.
Online Reporter