IND vs ENG: Cheteshwar Pujara hits top-gear after lean patch, unbeaten 91 to rescue India- While mornings bring fresh luck to many, the same was denied to Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara who had to depart to the pavilion on his overnight score of 91 runs during India’s second innings. The pressure of straight three and a half maiden overs right at the start of day’s four play in of the ongoing third Test against England at Headingley put the visitors under pressure and cost India Pujara’s crucial wicket. The number three batsman’s 968-day wait for a century continues.
Pujara fell prey to an inswinging delivery outside the off bowled by Ollie Robinson. The angled-in fuller ball towards off tempted Pujara who planted his front pad forward and then offered no shot. The ball came in with the angle and hit him onto the pads.
The moment Ollie Robinson provided England with the big wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara. #ENGvsINDpic.twitter.com/ZGFbLOsRKc
— CricketNews.com (@cricketnews_com) August 28, 2021
With Pujara’s dismissal, he alongside Indian skipper Virat Kohli missed their 100-run partnership as they fell one run short for the same.
IND vs ENG: In England so far, Cheteshwar Pujara had struggled. Apart from a gritty 45 in the 2nd Test, he had looked off-colour. In England, this time, he has scores of 8 & 15 (WTC Final), 21 & 38, 4 & 12*, 9 & 45 and 1.
During this time, he had a dip in the strike rate. With an ultra-defensive approach, he had let the bowler stamp authority. But not on Friday. The veteran batsman fought his way through from the word-go. With a 91 off just 189 balls, he proved to be the real deal.
IND vs ENG: The four off Sam Curran in the 40th over was one to remember. Throughout the series, Cheteshwar has looked uncomfortable playing the shorter deliveries moving away from the body. But not this time. He guided the late swing to his on-side at the square for a four. It was a glimpse of Cheteshwar Pujara in form.
More to follow…
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