AUS vs IND third Test: Pat Cummins’ supply that bought me out was unplayable, admits Cheteshwar Pujara

Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Cheteshwar Pujara
India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara termed Pat Cummins’s supply that bought him out as among the finest balls of the sequence and one that would have dismissed another batsman.

Pujara grinded his option to a 176-ball 50 however stored India within the sport throughout the first session as he shared a 53-run fifth-wicket partnership with Rishabh Pant.

However, post-lunch, after Pant bought hit on his left hand and was dismissed, Pujara was out caught behind as he edged a supply from Cummins to wicketkeeper Tim Paine.

“The ball which I got was one of the best balls of this series. I felt I couldn’t have done anything better, even if I was batting on 100 or double hundred, I don’t think I could have survived that ball which kicked from back of the length. I had to play that ball. There was extra bounce. So it was just one ball which was really good and unfortunately I couldn’t get away from that. You have to accept it,” mentioned Pujara whereas talking to the media after the match.

“Cummins is the No. 1 Test bowler. He is proving that again and again. He is coming hard even on this track, where there is not much help… He has a better idea of this wicket, sometimes he has bowled unplayable deliveries like the one that got me today. That delivery could have got any other batter.”

The India No. 3 mentioned that Pant’s dismissal impacted the Indian innings as till then they had been in a snug place.

“I thought losing Rishabh Pant was the moment that turned it around. We were in a comfortable position till then. We were 180-odd for four and doing well. Things turned around when Rishabh got out and then I got out. Our aim was to get close to 330-340. Yes, we missed out somewhere there. Losing Ajinkya Rahane earlier in the first session was a big blow but we recovered from there and there was a good partnership with Rishabh,” added Pujara.

Asked if Pant’s dismissal affected him since he adopted quickly after, within the very subsequent over, Pujara mentioned, “I don’t think losing Pant affected me but yes, when he was around I was more comfortable and we were building a partnership. I can’t say that because Rishabh got hit and got out, I lost my concentration. I had all my concentration. It was a good ball.”

Pujara, who was harm on his proper hand within the lead-up to the third Test throughout a nets session on the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 2, mentioned the blow continues to be hurting however not as a lot as to have an effect on his batting.

“I don’t think it is putting any trouble in my batting. It is not easy. I wouldn’t say that it is completely normal but this was expected. If there is a bit of pain, I can still manage it to play this game, because it is an important game. I couldn’t have missed out.”