11 Jan 2015

India cling on for draw

6:41 am on 11 January 2015

Australia have been forced to settle for a 2-nil series win with India surviving a nervous final session to force a draw in the fourth cricket test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia were unable to break the eighth wicket pairing of Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and grab a third win.

India who were set 349 to win collapsed from 160-2 to 217-7 and were 252-7 at stumps securing a second successive draw in the four match series.

The series started late with a schedule rejigged and compacted after the death of former Australian batsmen Phillip Hughes.

With 5,870 runs scored by both sides, it featured more runs than any other four-match test series with Australia's Steve Smith (769) and Virat Kohli (682) leading the way with four centuries apiece.

Australia's Steve Smith

Australia captain Steve Smith was named player of the series. Photo: Photosport

India learned yet again, however, that you cannot win tests in Australia without disciplined and accurate pace bowling to take 20 wickets, however strong a batting line-up you possess.

Smith has clearly marked himself out as permanent test captain when Michael Clarke's back finally forces him out of the game, even if he will return to the ranks for next month's 50-over World Cup.

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