Australia vs India 2018-19: First Test, Day 3: 5 Talking Points

#3 A classic Test partnership between Pujara and Virat Kohli

Despite staying on for around 20 overs, the Indian openers eventually succumbed to the Aussies' relentless toiling, and that in turn paved the way for Virat Kohli partnering with Cheteshwar Pujara.

The former had failed in the first innings, and was keen to make up for it, as witnessed from his intent right from the outset. It was seen in the way he opted to hang in the middle for a considerable length of time, instead of going for the obvious shots, like he would have in the limited overs' formats.

It is this particular ability from Kohli, to improvise and adapt to various situations that make him one of the finest batsmen of modern times. He took six balls to get off the mark, and twenty-six balls to make his first hit to the fence. By the time he departed after facing 104 balls, his strike rate was bordering on a mere 33 - it has to be one of the slowest innings the man has ever played. Quite possibly, on identifying the need of the hour, and accurately so.

On the other end was Pujara, India's first innings hero, who patted, prodded, nudged and nodded off only the easiest balls and played safe in every other situation - Typical Pujara show.

Nevertheless, it turned out to be the best takeaway for the visitors from Day 3. if India can continue to follow the Pujara-Kohli pattern on Day 4 and still get enough on board, India may as well fancy their chances of a win, with batting going to be tougher in the upcoming days.

The duo made 71 runs from 197 balls, and extended India's lead to 162 runs, before Nathan Lyon got Kohli dismissed - yet again. Nevertheless, the partnership has enabled India to stay ahead by the time play closed on Day 3. Pujara remains unbeaten on 40 runs.