India star Cheteshwar Pujara, on Wednesday, once again showed his importance to the Test side with yet another terrific knock in the third Test against Australia. Just like the first two Tests, Pujara once again came to the crease early following the failure of Hanuma Vihari.
The makeshift opener managed to bat for more than 10 overs but looked uncomfortable throughout as Australian pacers peppered him and his partner with short ball. Vihari finally departed after facing 66 balls for his 8 runs as Pujara walked out to bat with just 40 runs on the board. From thereon, he along with debutant Mayank Agarwal steadied the ship as India took command of the game. While the runs did not come at a good rate, Pujara and Agarwal made sure to remain firm. The two pounced on the lose deliveries while seeing off tough ones to bat India to a position of strength.
Pat Cummins broke the stand when he dismissed Mayank Agarwal just before tea for 76. However, Pujara remained firm and batted till the end of the day to guide India to a commanding position. He remained unbeaten on 68 and shared an unbeaten stand of 92 with skipper Virat Kohli as India took the opening day honours. At stumps, India were 215 for 2.
Following the day’s play, veteran allrounder Irfan Pathan took to Twitter to hail Pujara, writing:
“This guy @cheteshwar1 is as important as @imVkohli in test cricket for team India. Keep scoring runs and Most importantly eats up the new ball by playing many delivers up front which makes it easier for the batsmen coming in”
This guy @cheteshwar1 is as important as @imVkohli in test cricket for team India. Keep scoring runs and Most importantly eats up the new ball by playing many delivers up front which makes it easier for the batsmen coming in #AUSvIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2018