Cheteshwar Pujara reckons 'there's a chance' India can win third Test despite Australia's small target
Batsman Cheteshwar Pujara remained hopeful of victory after India left Australia a target of 75 runs for victory come day three of the third Test in Indore on Friday.
Cheteshwar Pujara.India's second innings slipped to 163 all out. Australia had responded with 193 all out, after India's 109 all out in the first innings.
Pujara top-scored with 59 on Thursday. He faced 142 deliveries and struck five fours and a six. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon, meanwhile, took eight second-innings wickets to finish with 11 for the match.
"This 75 may not be too many, but there's a chance. It's a tough pitch to bat on. It's not easy," said Pujara.
"You need to trust your defence, make sure you get to the pitch or if it's short, play off the back foot.
"You need to attack and defend, a mix, on this pitch. If you keep defending, one ball will bounce and hit your glove.
"My aim was to be a bit more positive, try and score as many as possible. If there was a bit more of a partnership with Axar, it could've helped.
"I'm learning a few more tricks. If there's demand, I feel rather than playing too many dot balls, if you can take a few chances, you can get runs. Now I'm confident whenever it's needed, I can play those shots."
Australia are without batsman David Warner and captain Pat Cummins. Both have returned to Australia. All-rounder Cameron Green and fast bowler Mitchell Starc have recovered from injury and are in the XI for the third Test.
India have a two-nil lead in the four-match series. They won first Test in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs - and the second in Delhi by six wickets. Ahmedabad will host the final Test from 9 March. India and Australia will then contest three ODIs.