Ranchi, March 19: India's most consistent middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara stormed his way into record books after playing a marathon innings against Australia on fourth day of the third Test match here on Sunday (March 19).
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Pujara became the first Indian batsman to face 500 balls in a Test innings by surpassing Rahul Dravid's previous best of 495 balls.
Before Pujara, Dravid had played a marathon knock of 270 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2004 and took 495 balls. But Pujara surpassed Dravid on Sunday (March 19).
The right-handed batsman from Saurashtra also went on to slam another brilliant double hundred off 521 balls. He was finally dismissed at 202 (off 525 deliveries) as India lost their seventh wicket at 527. This was his 11th first-class double hundred.
Pujara joined the elite league by becoming second Indian batsman to slam two double hundreds against Australia. Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman are the other two Indian batsmen to have scored a double ton against Australia.
Resuming the day's play, Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha continued their partnership as they put India ahead of Australia. The duo stitched a partnership of 199 runs for the seventh wicket.
Top 5 batsmen to face most balls:
Player | Run | Balls faced | Opposition | Year |
Cheteshwar Pujara | 202 | 521 | Aus | 2017 |
Rahul Dravid | 270 | 495 | Pak | 2004 |
Navjot Sidhu | 201 | 491 | WI | 1997 |
Ravi Shastri | 206 | 477 | Aus | 1992 |
Sunil Gavaskar | 172 | 472 | Eng | 1981 |
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