Australia star Josh Hazlewood has said that his compatriots love to hate India’s star batsman Cheteshwar Pujara. The right-handed batsman has been a constant thorn in flesh for the Aussies and was recently a part of the Indian team that beat the team from Down Under 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series.
It was India’s fourth consecutive Test series win over Australia and Cheteshwar Pujara has been one of the best performers with the bat in this rivalry. In 24 Tests against Australia so far, the right-hander has scored more than 2000 runs at an average of more than 50. He has slammed 5 centuries and 11 fifties against them while also facing nearly 5000 deliveries from Australia’s bowlers.
Speaking on the RCB podcast, Josh Hazlewood explained how much it means to the bowlers when they manage to dismiss Pujara who is known for not throwing his wicket away. The Australia pacer has enjoyed a good duel with Pujara so far and has dismissed him 7 times in red-ball cricket.
“It’s a bigger thrill for the bowlers. I think when you do end up getting his wicket, it means you have earned it. It means you’ve put in a lot of hard work,” said Josh Hazlewood.
“Whether it is the fifth ball he faces, you’ve already bowled to him in the previous Test matches, you’ve earned that respect, and you’ve earned that wicket,” he added.
Josh Hazlewood on Australians’ feelings for Cheteshwar Pujara:
Speaking further, Josh Hazlewood said Pujara is someone Australians love to hate. He then went on to praise Pujara, saying that he is a great player.
“He’s someone I’ve had some great tussles over the years, and, in particular, in Australia. He’s someone Australians love to hate, but he’s a fantastic player and I guess that is part of Test cricket. When you do get him out, you’ve earned it,” said Hazlewood.
The fast-bowler is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and is likely to miss a good number of games for RCB in the upcoming IPL 2023. In the mini-auction in December, RCC shelled out Rs 7.75 crore to secure his services.
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