Cheteshwar Pujara rescued India from a dangerous situation to notch up his maiden test hundred in England and also give a 27 runs lead to India which didn’t look possible after Moeen Ali went through the Indian tail. He was dropped from the first test but made a comeback in the second test and played some typical old school innings. He continued it in the third test but converted his start in the first innings of the fourth test that has shut his critics.
India were comfortable at 142/2 but soon it was a story of flocking cards as Virat Kohli 46), Ajinkya Rahane(11) were dismissed which brought the lower order batsman to the crease. Rishabh Pant didn’t trouble the scorers and a flamboyant Hardik Pandya could just manage 4 runs. India were struggling at 189/6.
The story continued as Ashwin (1) Mohammed Shami (0) were dismissed by an in form Moeen Ali. Pujara(132) then came to the rescue and formed a crucial 32 run partnership with Ishant Sharma and then a 46 run stand with Jasprit Bumrah that took India to 273 runs, taking a lead of 27 runs.
He completed his maiden ton in England and his 15th overall.
Twitter was in awe of Pujara’s performance as they saw a reflection of Rahul Dravid in him
Reactions
All those who’ve been saying rude things about @cheteshwar1, down on your knees, and say sorry please. For India to win overseas, you need Pujara at his best besides Kohli
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 31, 2018
Any kid thinking I don’t have enough talent to make it, look at Pujara, that’s your role model right there.#Grit
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 31, 2018
There are some innings which give you a very different high. Pujara ‘s innings was one of those innings, will be long remembered. Added 78 with Ishant and Bumrah. India will need to bowl really well now pic.twitter.com/WwCJ6EO7Jp
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2018
Dropped from the side. Came back as an opener on a green SSC pitch. Scored a ton. Carried his bat.
Dropped for Edgbaston. Scores a 50
In Nottingham. A ton here.
Why does Pujara get dropped in the first place?? #EngvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 31, 2018
An exceptional knock under pressure from Pujara. Feel delighted for him and he has ensured India stay in the game. Really top knock @cheteshwar1
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 31, 2018
Unbelievable knock from Pujara, great example of application n grit. Take a bow #INDvENG
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) August 31, 2018
I get annoyed with players going on about Pujara being a ‘proper Test player’ who plays Test cricket the ‘right way’. Test cricket has always embraced players of all styles. Sehwag and Dravid were both great Test players. Test cricket is a vast enough canvas to accommodate both
— Sidvee (@sidvee) August 31, 2018
Pujara’s Ton has come because of his work ethics. His perseverance. Nice men don’t necessarily finish last @cheteshwar1 #IndvEng #Southampton
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) August 31, 2018
Pant, Pandya and innovative Ashwin real culprits in this innings. Have they stayed with with Pujara lead would be bigger. #IndvsEng
— Sunil Singh (@Sunil_1984_) August 31, 2018
Thanks for keeping the old school Test cricket alive. Well played, Pujara. Well played. ??????#engvind
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 31, 2018
