Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara couldn’t believe what he saw after his shot took a wicked deflection off the short-leg fielder, and went straight into the hands of Rory Burns, who was station a mid-wicket region, for an easy catch.
Cheteshwar Pujara, during the post-day press conference, said that he is a “bit disappointed” with the way he got out and added that there was nothing which he can do as a batsman.
After being reduced to 73/4, Pujara (73) and Rishabh Pant (91) added 119 runs for the fifth wicket before the latter was dismissed in a bizarre manner in the final session on day three.
“That (the dismissal) is something which I can’t do as a batsman. It was unlucky, I would just say that because that’s the only way I thought I could have got out. I was batting really well, I was playing my shots.
“The way I was seeing the ball, everything was going perfect but that was the most unfortunate way one can imagine. A bit disappointed but there’s nothing which I can do as a batsman,” said Pujara.
Talking about the partnership, Pujara said he loves batting with Pant and the way he takes on spinners. But, he added that the wicket-keeper batsman has to learn a few more things including converting 90’s into hundreds.
“When a batter is going after the bowler from one end and if I’m around, we always have a chat in between the over and there is a good right and left-hand combination which frustrates the bowlers.
“I think when the scoreboard is moving, we were building a good partnership and we batted enough now, talking about the last tour in Australia. The way Rishabh bats especially against spinners, I think he likes to take them on and that’s the way he will go about it,” he added.
“It’s been a crucial partnership for us and I hope this continues. I love batting with him. I’m really happy with the way overall he’s playing.
“He still has to learn a few more things, he still has to put the team in a commanding position because he is capable of that and he’s missing out on hundreds. I’m sure he will learn from this but it is good that he is in form,” Pujara concluded.
At stumps on Day 3, India were with Washington Sundar (33*) and Ravichandran Ashwin (8*) at the crease. The hosts trail the visitors by 321 runs. . England scored 578 runs in their first innings with the help of skipper Joe Root’s double ton.