Sydney: Rishabh Pant made his case stronger for a spot in the Indian playing XI for the first Test by hitting a quickfire hundred on Day 2 of the second tour game against Australia A in Sydney on Saturday. Pant brought up his 7th first-class hundred in the final over of the day as India reached 386 for 4 at stumps with a lead of 472 runs against the home team at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Pant had some fun out in the middle as he smashed 6 sixes and 9 fours after joining Hanuma Vihari at the crease at 239 for 4. He was batting on 81 before the start of the final over in which he smashed 22 runs against Jack Wildermuth to reach triple figures before the end of play. His innings will give a pleasant headache to the Indian team management who have to choose between him and Wriddhiman Saha for the wicketkeeper's position in the side for the 1st Test, which will be a day-night game played with pink balls.

Their fifth-wicket partnership was unbroken on 147 with Vihari not out on 104 while Pant will resume his innings on the final day at 103.

VIHARI ROARS BACK TO FORM

Vihari brought up his 21st first-class hundred off 188 balls in a knock which consisted of 13 boundaries. The 27-year-old right-hander spent some valuable time in the middle under lights playing against the pink ball which should give him a lot of confidence going into the four-match Test series against Australia starting December 17 in Adelaide. Shubman Gill (65), Mayank Agarwal (61) and captain Ajinkya Rahane (38) were the other major contributors as India put up a much-improved show in the second innings after getting bowled out for 194 in the first.