On Monday (December 10), India finished their almost 11 years wait to win a Test match in Australia after beating the hosts Australia by 31 runs in the first Test of the four-match Test series at Adelaide Oval (Adelaide). The hero of the match, Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara credited all the Indian bowlers to clinch this memorable victory.
Starting the day five on 104/4, Australia just fell 32 runs short from the target of 323 runs as the hosts were bundled out on 291 runs. Their tail-enders fought very well at the end and made alive the team in the game but the Indian bowlers just held their nerves in the crucial moment.
The 30-year-old right-handed batsman Cheteshwar Pujara performed outstandingly with the bat in both the innings of this game. His both contributions – 123 and 71 – came in very critical situations while he kept patience to guide the team for a good total. However, after winning their only sixth Test on the Australian soil, Pujara credited the all Indian bowlers for this victory.
During the presentation ceremony, the Player of the Match Pujara said, “The credit goes to the bowlers as well as getting those 15 runs as lead gave us the psychological advantage. It made us believe we can bat well in the second innings. The partnerships in the second innings were very crucial. I think it’s the self-belief of all the teammates that helped us perform the way we did.”
Talking about his brilliant patience knocks in both innings, Pujara credited the pre-tour preparation and his earlier experiences.
Pujara said, “The most important thing for me was the preparation when I was back home, I knew what to expect from Australian pitches. Having played some of their bowlers in the past also helped me.
“[It was one of my top five knocks] because it was special because the way we came back in the game. We lost about four wickets for 40 runs and then to make a comeback and get to 250 was the most important thing.
Also read: Ian Chappell Feels Pujara Has The Same Batting Style Of Dravid
“Not really (no pressure on the need to score faster). I back my ability, have enough experience playing for the Indian team. There is always pressure to perform overseas and win Test matches. As a batting unit, I believe we have a lot to improve but we learn from our mistakes.”
Pujara also thanked his father and coach Arvind Pujara, a former Ranji Trophy player for Saurashtra.
The Indian cricketer added, “It [father’s support] means a lot. He [Arvind] is someone who started coaching me when I was eight years old. I’d like to thank him for all his support throughout my career. He will be a proud father at this stage. He believed in my ability more than I do.”
