India v Australia: Handscomb and Marsh grind out draw to keep Test series level

Shaun Marsh, right, and Peter Handscomb produced a 124-run partnership for the fifth wicket to guide Australia to a draw in Ranchi. Aijaz Rahi / AP Photo

Gritty half-centuries from Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh enabled Australia to hold out for a draw in the third Test against India on Monday, leaving the four-match series tantalisingly poised at 1-1.

Australia, who began their second innings 152 runs adrift of the hosts, were in deep trouble after being reduced to 63 for four in Ranchi before Handscomb (72 not out) and Marsh (53) put on 124 for the fifth wicket.

The tourists eventually reached 204 for six at stumps on the fifth and final day, after the hosts made a mammoth 603 for nine declared in their first innings.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja claimed four wickets to return overall match figures of 9-178 at India’s newest Test venue.

But it was Cheteshwar Pujara (202) and Wriddhiman Saha (117) who were the main stars of the match for India after their 199-run seventh-wicket stand on Sunday.

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The left-right batting combination of Handscomb and Marsh outmanoeuvred the Indian bowlers during their 232-minute resistance, which was broken only late in the final session.

Jadeja dismissed Marsh and his fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin then claimed the wicket of first innings centurion Glenn Maxwell for two, giving India brief hope of a dramatic final twist in the tale.

But a composed Handscomb played out the remaining few overs with Wade for company as Australia avoided defeat in their 800th Test.

“I’m proud with the way the boys were able to stick it out today,” Australia captain Steve Smith said.

“The way Marsh and Handscomb batted today was fantastic. I thought they played beautifully. They didn’t look like they were getting out for a while. I’m really proud of them.”

Jadeja, who claimed the prized scalp of Smith for 21, caused problems for all the Australian batsmen after the tourists resumed the day on 23 for two.

Smith, who scored an unbeaten 178 in the first innings, tried to pad away a vicious turning delivery from Jadeja but it spun from outside leg to rattle the right-hander’s off stump.

Speaking after the match, India captain Virat Kohli said the hosts had given it their all and the series was now set for a riveting finale, with Test cricket’s two top-ranked teams due to resume battle in Dharamsala next Saturday.

“We’ve played some really great cricket. We want to continue the same. We’ve given out 120 per cent in this game, and that’s what matters,” Kohli said.

“As long as we keep doing that, I’m sure we’re going to be in good positions in Test cricket. Another game in Dharamsala to go, and we’re ready for it.”

Constant run-ins between the players of the two top sides continued to enliven the intense rivalry that reached boiling point in the previous game when Kohli accused Smith of abusing the decision review system.

* Agence France-Presse

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