Australian Pacer Josh Hazlewood has stated that Cheteshwar Pujara makes bowlers make their wickets regardless of how many overs the bowler bowls to them. So, the New South Wales bowler showed that Australians ‘love to hate’ Pujara.
The Saurashtra batter has confirmed a headache for the Australians in Test cricket in the past couple of years. The right-hander was the major run-getter for India in 2 of the last 4 Test series between the 2 sides and performed a key role in ensuring that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy didn’t cross borders. He averages a healthy 50.83 in 24 Tests against Australia, Securing 2033 runs.
Conversation on the RCB podcast, Hazlewood highlighted that Pujara is a world-class Performer and said his battles in Australia with the veteran batter.
“It’s a bigger thrill for the bowlers. I think when you do end up getting his wicket, it means you have earned it. It means you’ve put in a lot of hard work. Whether it is the fifth ball he faces, you’ve already bowled to him in the previous Test matches, you’ve earned that respect, and you’ve earned that wicket.
“He’s someone I’ve had some great tussles over the years, and, in particular, in Australia. He’s someone Australians love to hate, but he’s a fantastic player and I guess that is part of Test cricket. When you do get him out, you’ve earned it.”
The 32-year-old, who created his Test debut in 2014, has discarded Pujara 7 times in the format, with the batter averaging a respectable 39.66.
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