Sydney Test: India declares the 1st innings at 622 for seven against Australia

Cheteshwar Pujara's 193 and Rishabh Pant's explosive 159 not out put India in complete control of the New Year's Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja scored 81 as India declared on 622 for 7 on Day 2.

This was India's second highest scorer in Sydney and they are now the only visiting team to score over 600 runs at the SCG thrice.

Australia openers Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja survived 10 overs and went to stumps at 24 for no loss.

If India had taken the early advantage on the opening day thanks to Pujara's hundred, they all but batted Australia out of the game in no small measure due to Pant's record-breaking knock on a flat pitch in Sydney.

The focus was on Pujara and Hanuma Vihari when play resumed on the second day. The pair had batted brilliantly on Thursday to frustrate Australia after they had dismissed India captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.

There was widespread anticipation that Pujara would get to his double hundred on a pitch that has so far given little support to bowlers. Despite Vihari's controversial dismissal for 42, Pujara continued to bat with determination and focus - he reached the 190s and the stage was set for a well-deserved double hundred.

But a rare lapse in concentration meant Pujara was out for 193. He was lured forward by Nathan Lyon - the ball did not spin as much as Pujara had expected and



his attempt to work it on the on-side failed and he played it straight back to the bowler.

Pujara's dismissal brought Pant and Ravindra Jadeja together.

Both men, known for their aggressive strokeplay, started cautiously before opening up their arms in the final session. Pant blazed away to his second Test hundred, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test hundred in Australia.

Not satisfied with a fine hundred, Pant continued his punishment of the Australian bowlers - he then became the fourth Indian wicketkeeper to score 150-plus in Tests, joining Budhi Kunderan, Nayan Mongia and MS Dhoni.

India had delayed the declaration as Jadeja crept towards his second hundred. However, he was deceived in flight by Nathan Lyon and was bowled for 81 - Virat Kohli immediately called his men in, leaving Australian openers Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja with the prospect of facing 10 tense overs.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah bowled three overs each before Kohli turned to his spinners on a pitch which is expected to aid slow bowling. Kuldeep made an immediate impression with some sensational deliveries which turned and left the Aussie openers nervous.

Australia face an uphill task on Saturday against an Indian attack which will be determined to show their class yet again after a top quality performance by India's batsmen.