Ajinkya Rahane lauds team-mates for showing intent as SCG Test ends in a stalemate

Team India's stand-in-captain Ajinkya Rahane heaped praise on entire team after third Test match that was played at Sydney Cricket Ground ended in a stalemate. 

odds were against visitors on Day 5 as y had to survive entire day with a mammoth target of 407 looking far-fetched and only had eight wickets in hand. On top of that, y were short of one batsman Ravindra Jadeja who has been ruled out of remainder of series due to a thumb fracture. neless, a spirited Team India batted out final three sessions of contest to ensure that four-match series is tied at 1-1.

'I'm really proud': Ajinkya Rahane

While Rahane gave special mention to Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari during post-match presser, he also lauded likes of opener Rohit Sharma, number three batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, and lower-order batsman Ravichandran Ashwin as well as entire team for showing intent.

"I'm really happy for Rishabh. way he batted today was really special. Vihari was batting really well. Today we all saw a special kck. This was more special than his hundred. To show that hunger, to show that character, it's all about what team needs. This is as good as winning a test match. Credit to Vihari, Ashwin, Pujara, Rishabh Pant, and Rohit. About intent, everyone has ir own style of showing ir intent", said Rahane.

At same time, Test specialist also added that he is really proud of his team as a captain and also mentioned that injured Ravindra Jadeja was also ready to bat had situation demanded him to be out re in middle.

"Today's day was really special from our team's point of view.  As a captain, I'm really proud. Credit to Hanuma Vihari, Ashwin. Jadeja was ready to bat. boys were ready for it", he added.

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SCG Test ends in a stalemate

India who had resumed ir innings on Day 5 at 98/2 found mselves in a spot of bor after skipper Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed cheaply for four and just when it appeared that Rahane's wicket opened up floodgates for Australians, Cheteshwar Pujara (77) and, Rishabh Pant (97) added a 148-run stand for fourth wicket before latter was dismissed just three runs short of what would have been a well-deserved century. However, Pujara fought on and found support in number six batsman Hanuma Vihari who showcased some great defensive techniques as Aussie bowlers were made to toil hard for wickets.

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Even though Pujara was dismissed in 89th over, Vihari and lower-order batsman shared an unbeaten 62-run stand for sixth wicket as SCG Test match ended in a stalemate.

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