Cheteshwar Pujara’s ‘Slow’ Century Can Be Make or Break for India in Third Test, Says Former Australia Captain Ricky Ponting
Cheteshwar Pujara’s 17th Test century might have given India the upper hand at the end of Day 2 at the MCG; however, former Australian captain feels that Pujara’s hundred could well become the reason of India’s loss.
India might seem that they are in the driver’s seat at the moment in the Third test match against Australia in Melbourne, but then the reality is otherwise. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 17th Test century might have given India the upper hand at the end of Day 2 at the MCG; however, former Australian captain feels that Pujara’s hundred could well become the reason of India’s loss.
Ricky Ponting said, “If India go on and win the game, it’ll be great innings (but) if they haven’t got time to bowl Australia out twice … it could be what costs them the game,” while speaking to cricket.com.au after the Day 2 ended. Virat Kohli Test Batting Records: Indian Captain Surpasses This 16-Year-Old Record Previously Held by Rahul Dravid!
None of India’s top five batsmen had scored above the strike of 50 in the first innings of the Test match. However, Pujara’s innings was too slow according to the two-time World Cup winner. Pujara had scored 106 runs in 319 balls before he was dismissed by Pat Cummins.
The two-time World Cup winning captain said, “They’ve got other guys in their side who are stroke-makers … but if those guys don’t come off, the scoring rate is always going to be hovering around that two runs an over mark, which makes it pretty hard to win Test matches, especially on flat wickets as we might have here.” Tim Paine During IND vs AUS 2018 Boxing Day Test: 'I'll Become a Mumbai Indians Fan if Rohit Sharma Hits a Six'
India ended their innings after declaring on 443/7 after Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed. The Australian openers Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris saw a safe passage of play before the umpires called stumps on Day 2. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs Australia 2018-19 Test Series.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 27, 2018 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).