India’s saviour Cheteshwar Pujara reckoned that his innings on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test against Australia was one of the best knocks he has played in his career.
“It is one of my best innings in Test cricket, can put it even in the top 5. My teammates were certainly saying so!,” said India’s No. 3 at the press conference at the end of the day’s play.
Indian top order failed to apply themselves and succumbed to the new ball. KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane went for expansive drives early in their innings and only managed get themselves dismissed caught behind or in the slips.
“The top order made mistakes but they will learn from them and try and perform in the second innings. For me personally, I had prepared well and the overall experienced I have gained through playing Tests and First-Class cricket helped me out.”
“I knew I had to stay patient and wait for the loose balls but they bowled in the right areas and kept the pressure on.
“It was tough but once I was set, I knew I could play my shots, especially once we lost seven wickets. Once we lost Ashwin, I knew I had to accelerate. I knew what shots I could play on that wicket because I stuck around for two sessions.”
