Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s number three batsman, who was criticised by some for his bad form outside the sub-continent, has officially silenced his critics. Pujara breaking Rahul Dravid’s record in Australia, batted 1200-plus deliveries in the four matches, the most for an Indian batsman against Australia in a Test series, surpassing Dravid’s 1203 balls faced in 2003-04.
Similarly, Rishabh Pant’s score – 159 – became the third-highest for an India wicketkeeper in Tests after MS Dhoni’s 224 and Budhi Kunderan’s 192 and led India to a humongous 622/7 on Day 2 of the fourth Test between India and Australia in Sydney on Friday.
Cricket statistician Mohandas Menon said on Pant, “Rishabh Pant is now the only 2nd visiting wicket-keeper to register Test 100s both in England and Australia. Jeffery Dujon was the first – 100s at Manchester & Perth in 1984.”
Rishabh Pant is now the only 2nd visiting wicket-keeper to register Test 100s both in England and Australia.
Jeffery Dujon was the first – 100s at Manchester & Perth in 1984 #AusvInd#AusvsInd— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2019
Menon further said on Twitter, “Highest scores by a visiting wicket-keeper in Australia 169 – AB de Villiers (Perth) Nov 2012 159*- Rishabh Pant (Sydney) today”
Highest scores by a visiting wicket-keeper in Australia
169 – AB de Villiers (Perth) Nov 2012
140*- Rishabh Pant (Sydney) today#AusvInd#AusvsInd— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2019
Pujara who batted non-stop for his 193 on Day 2 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in their host’s turf, has three centuries under his belt in the series. His mammoth ton at Sydney could lead India to victory to win their maiden Test series in Australia.
On Pujara, Menon said, “First time in his fc career Cheteshwar Pujara (193) has a score in the 190s. Incidentally he has 12 200+ fc scores (incl 3 300s).”
First time in his fc career Cheteshwar Pujara (193) has a score in the 190s.
Incidentally he has 12 200+ fc scores (incl 3 300s)#AusvInd#AusvsInd— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2019
Adding that, “Batting over 500 minutes in a Test innings against Australia – twice! Sunil Gavaskar (551, 513) Sachin Tendulkar (613, 547) Alastair Cook (634, 625) Cheteshwar Pujara (672, 502*).”
Batting over 500 minutes in a Test innings against Australia – twice!
Sunil Gavaskar (551, 513)
Sachin Tendulkar (613, 547)
Alastair Cook (634, 625)
Cheteshwar Pujara (672, 502*)#AusvInd#AusvsInd— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 4, 2019
The batsman was previously dropped for the first Test in England. Pujara has also struggled with his dodgy knee in the past and fitness has been an issue for the batsman. An elated Pujara posted a sweet message for Team India physio Patrick Farhart saying, “This man has spent more time with me than his family in the last month. Thanks @patrickfarhart for all your help in keeping me up and running. Cheers to all the long evening sessions.”
READ ALSO | India vs Australia: Rishabh Pant becomes first Indian wicket-keeper batsman to score 100 in England, down under; Cheteshwar Pujara matches Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid
India had beaten Australia by 137 runs in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, ending 2018 on a positive note and now this marks the second time for the visitors who won more than one Test in a series in Australia.