#IndiaInAustralia: Record-breaking Cheteshwar Pujara slams his 18th Test ton
What's the story
Cheteshwar Pujara continued his fine journey in the ongoing Test series against Australia.
The leading run-scorer of the series, Pujara went on to slam a scintillating ton in the fourth Test at the SCG.
This was his third of the series and his 18th Test career ton.
Pujara has been at a different level altogether and his consistency needs to be lauded.
Here's more.
Performance
Pujara's performance in the series has been top notch
Pujara arrived in Australia with several question marks over his overseas form.
He had registered a single ton across seven Tests in South Africa and England in 2018.
However, Pujara took his form to another level in Australia.
His 123-run knock in Adelaide and 106 in Melbourne, helped India win both the Tests.
Another century at SCG has put India in a strong position.
A complete player
Pujara has shown that he is a complete Test batsman
The talented cricketer was criticized on numerous occasions regarding his performances away from home.
Pujara faced a lot of flak in England and South Africa.
His dismissals against the incoming deliveries, suggested how he was getting rooted at the crease.
But the player has managed to work his way out.
Three tons in an away series is his answer to the critics.
Contribution
Pujara's contribution in this series has been terrific
Pujara has done what other Indian batsmen in the series have failed to achieve.
It hasn't been easy battling the new ball, but Pujara has been watchful.
Both his will and the hunger to bat long need to be lauded.
He has forged some mega partnerships to help India counter Aussies.
Pujara has shown that India can think beyond Virat Kohli.
Records
Pujara's tryst with records continues
This century was Pujara's fifth in SENA countries.
This was his eighth ton outside India.
This has been his best series in terms of runs scored.
His previous best came against England in India in 2012/13 (438 runs).
He notched his 18th Test ton in 114 innings.
He equalled Sunil Gavaskar for the most centuries in a series in Australia by an Asian (3).
Twitter Post
Pujara scripts an unbreakable record
Test centuries by Indians batting at No.3 against Australia:
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) January 3, 2019
Cheteshwar Pujara - 5 centuries
All others - 6 centuries (2 by Amarnath Laxman, 1 by Dravid Vengsarkar)#AusvInd