Team India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been the symbol of grit and determination on day 5 of the final Test against Australia at the Gabba. The Aussie pacers launched a barrage of bouncers against Pujara but the No.3 batsman looked unfazed, unscathed despite taking blows on the body, and seemed determined to take his side over the rope.
The visitors had everything to play for on day 5 but failed to get off to a good start losing Rohit Sharma early in the day. But since then, it was all Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara. While Gill pressed the gears, Pujara showed patience and resilience to provide a perfect foil to the 21-year-old batsman from Punjab.
Gill dominated the proceeding playing the only way he knows – putting the bad balls away to the boundary. On the other hand, the likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood deployed a short ball tactic against Pujara. He got hit a couple of times on his elbow and fingers and looked unfazed as he had set his eyes on bigger things.
Cheteshwar Pujara gets hit on the helmet
Shubman Gill departed after a well-made 91-run knock but Cheteshwar Pujara was determined for a big innings. The Aussies continued to bowl the nasty bouncers directed at Pujara’s body before he was badly hit on the helmet. It all started when he stopped Josh Hazlewood as he was running in. It looked like an insect came in the way and the Aussie quick was seemingly irritated and gave a cold stare to the Indian batsman before steaming in and bowling another nasty bouncer.
Also Read:Â Indian Fans Slam Shane Warne For Unwanted Criticism Against T Natarajan
A nasty bouncer and Cheteshwar Pujara couldn’t get out of the way as he took his eyes off the ball. Could have avoided a couple of blows at least today but he is ready to take everything on his body for his side. He’s determined to carry on as the physio checked on him and fixed his helmet.
Watch the video here:
Pujara gets hit again 😳
He's facing a barrage at the moment but he keeps continuing #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4vvTn6l1Bm
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 19, 2021
Also Read:Â Watch – Shubman Gill Hit Three Consecutive Boundaries To Mitchell Starc
Meanwhile, India will want Cheteshwar Pujara to bat long and save the Test match as they set their eyes on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who is in the middle alongside Pujara will look to see off as many balls as possible as Australia need another eight wickets to win the match.
