The Indian fans usually have high expectations from designated batters and when they fail to perform, especially in Tests, it often draws criticism. India’s Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara became one such victim against Australia on Friday after his wicket in Nagpur at a crucial juncture took the spotlight.
India assumed a strong position against Australia in the opening game of the four-match series against Australia, labeled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. The hosts, riding on Rohit Sharma’s flamboyant 85 not out (at the time of writing), were on 149/3 after dismissing Australia for 177 in the first innings.
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However, they would have been in an even better position had Cheteshwar Pujara managed to extend his stay at the crease for a little longer. After R Ashwin walked into bat at No. 3 during the late hours of Day 1 in the Nagpur Test, his dismissal led to Pujara coming to the crease at No. 4 on Day 2.
The veteran India batter began well, hitting spinner Todd Murphy a couple of times while at the same time, cautiously defending Scott Boland. But then during the 45th over of the innings, Pujara decided to play a sweep shot on a loose ball off Murphy which was pitched way outside the leg stump, only to get a top edge.
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The ball went straight to Boland at short fine leg, and with that, he departed after scoring just 7 off 14 balls. It was a very unusual shot by Cheteshwar Pujara, who tends to take some time to settle himself before attacking the spinner. Moreover, he was dismissed by the 22-year-old Murphy, who is making his debut in red-ball cricket, which led him to become the center of attention in a negative way.
Here is the video of the dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara:
Here is how the Indian fans reacted to the dismissal of Cheteshwar Pujara:
Daniel Vettori bowling coach has created his duplicate in Todd Murphy. Strategy is look like a college nerd so batters underestimate you and give their wicket. That’s what happened with Pujara 🤣 #INDvAUS
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) February 10, 2023
Uncharacteristic shot from Pujara to get out. Murphy picks 3. India have the advantage & should possibly look to bat once. Rohit is the key here
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) February 10, 2023
Well, the intent dismisses Pujara.
Murphy has three.#INDvAUS
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 10, 2023
Pujara will be really disappointed with that. Very unlike him to go for a sweep for deliveries outside legstump.
Kohli v Murphy should be fun!#INDvAUS
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) February 10, 2023
"Todd Murphy delivering another impressive performance, adding the prized wickets of Ashwin and Pujara to his tally.
🇮🇳 India now at 135/3, with plenty of work still to be done.— Khiladi Adda (@KhiladiADDA) February 10, 2023
very angry with pujara totally thrown his wicket
— Nitin (@Nitin_joshi__) February 10, 2023
How many more to go , Pujara just gifted it to Murphy 🙃 #INDvAUS
— Dwight K Schrute (@unlucky_bt_not) February 10, 2023
How in the world does Todd Murphy bowl an absolute nonsense ball outside leg like that in INDIA and get Pujara out caught? Ridiculous. #BGT2023
— Dallas Cricket (@DallasCricket) February 10, 2023
