Cheteshwar Pujara had a point to prove in the third Test, and he rose brilliantly to the challenge scoring a brilliant 91.
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Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara was one of the players that had come under heavy criticism due to his performance in the second of the five-match Test series being played between India and England. The match was played at Lord’s and India had recorded an incredible victory. However, Pujara’s performance in the game raised the eyebrows of a lot of fans and experts. The batter had a point to prove in the third Test and he rose brilliantly to the challenge. Former Indian cricketer and a legend of the game, Zaheer Khan, was full of praise for Pujara after his brilliant batting display on Day 2 of the third Test. Zaheer said that Pujara seemed like himself again.
”Pujara, with his approach today, hasn’t only made the fans take notice but I’m sure it came as a jolt to the England team too. The flow of the bat which looked to have ceased has now started to catch its rhythm and Pujara looked like himself again,” said the legendary cricketer while speaking to Cricbuzz.
“Only one big scorer won’t be enough to thrust India to a position of safety in this Test. At least four batters will need to step up and score big, it’s a big ask but India has no choice,” he added.
India seemed in a very tight spot when they came out to bat on Day 3 and many predicted that they would not be able to handle the pressure. It did seem like it would be easy pickings for the hosts. However, Pujara led the Indian resistance with a fantastic knock of 91 and being part of two outstanding partnerships, one with Rohit Sharma and the other with skipper Virat Kohli.
The experienced batter did what he does better than anyone, completely frustrate the opposition. England could only manage to pick a couple of wickets in the whole day and when stumps was called, the score for the visitors was 215-2. India were still 139 runs behind the score England had set, but Pujara gave the team a lot of hope. What was incredible about the performance was that he kept running the singles and doubles in order to keep the scoreboard ticking. He received good support from Kohli and Rohit in that respect.
“Pujara’s body language and style of play in this innings has reflected his positive mindset. He looks like the catalyst who wants to make a difference in this game. He wants to move the game forward and give India a chance, which is always great to see,” Zaheer further said.
Despite the brilliant batting display, it does seem Pujara’s efforts were in vain. India shot themselves in the foot in the first innings when they were bowled out for a mere 78. England were by far the better and more determined team. Joe Root would have demanded a victory from his players, after an embarrassing loss at the iconic Lord’s ground. They duly delivered, recording a triumph by a margin of an innings and 76 runs.
