Rahane Lauds India's Fighting Spirit, Gives Special Mention To Vihari And Ashwin

India skipper Ajinkya Rahane on Monday lauded his team's fighting spirit and character after the visitors batted the entire fifth day to draw the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket

India lost Rahane very early on Day Five and put the hosts in a commanding position. But Cheteshwar Pujara (77) and Rishabh Pant (97) shared a 148-run partnership for the fifth wicket and brought the visitors back into the match.

After their dismissals, Hanuma Vihari (23*) and Ravichandran Ashwin shared an unbeaten 62-run partnership, which batting out for 259 balls as India denied Australia with an opportunity to go 2-1 up in the ongoing four-Test series.

What A Fightback By Team India

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Rahane, while praising Vihari and Ashwin, said that there are a few areas where the team needs to improve before the last Test.

"There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see," said the stand-in India skipper.

Australia had won the first Test by eight wickets in Adelaide while India registered a stunning comeback in Melbourne, winning the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets.

The series, currently tied at 1-1, will now be decided in the final Test beginning Friday at The Gabba in Brisbane.