Murali Vijay continued with his fine form against Australia as his impressive half century and a solid opening stand with Cheteshwar Pujara took India to 135 for two at tea on the second day of the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia here today.
India are now 127 runs behind Australia's first innings score of 262.
At the break, Vijay was batting on 54 in company of Sachin Tendulkar, who survived a few anxious moments including a strong leg before appeal to remain unbeaten on 12.
Vijay has faced 114 balls so far hitting eight boundaries in the process.
For Australia, the post-lunch session turned out to be a productive one with Nathan Lyon accounting for both Pujara (52) and Virat Kohli (1).
The makeshift opening stand of Pujara (52) and Vijay yielded 108 runs in 25 overs.
At the beginning of the innings, Pujara played a majestic backfoot cover drive off Pattinson after Vijay opened his account with a streaky boundary past the slip cordon.
Pattinson drifted one onto Pujara's pads and the batsman promptly got his second boundary. Then came the best shot of the morning session as Pujara hit left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson for a straight drive.
The three boundaries gave Pujara confidence to get off the blocks. Vijay also joined forces as he elegantly played Pattinson through the wide mid-on area.
The first five overs of the innings produced 34 runs and it looked as if Vijay and Pujara are in a mood to get 'ready' for the Indian Premier League which is scheduled to start in 10 days time. The 50-run partnership was completed in the 10th over.
