Cheteshwar Pujara is the new wall: Nathan Lyon
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon believes Cheteshwar Pujara is a different breed of batsman. Praising the Indian captain Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, Lyon stated that Pujara is a cut above the rest. The Australian bowlers worked their fingers to bone for dismissing Pujara throughout the 2018-19 Test series against India. However, Lyon asserted they will halt his flow of runs, this time around.
Pujara was exceptional against Australia, says Lyon
"I think Pujara flies under the radar a little bit when you look at the Indian side. Obviously you look at Rahane and Virat and these guys. Pujara is the new wall. It helps that he played exceptionally well last time out here," Lyon said.
Australia lost the Test series 1-2
India became the first ever Asian team to register a Test series victory on the Australian soil. Although the hosts won the second Test at Perth by 146 runs, they eventually ended up losing the series 1-2. India also won their maiden Boxing Day Test, having defeated Australia by 137 runs. The Australians looked dejected without the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner.
Pujara's knock at Adelaide laid foundation of India's series victory
Top order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara played a pivotal role in India's historic series victory. He was the leading run-scorer of the Test series, having racked up 521 runs in four matches at 74.43. His valiant knock at the Adelaide oval was deemed series-defining. India were reduced to 86/5 before Pujara rescued the innings. The 32-year-old ended up scoring 123 off 246 deliveries.
Australia will target Pujara in the upcoming series
India are supposed to tour down under this year, for a four-match Test series. Lyon further reiterated that Australia will restrict Pujara to back foot. "He obviously played his absolute backside off, which for India was good to see, but we will have to combat Pujara," Lyon said. "He definitely won't he flying under the radar come this summer," he added.
