Pujara misses fifty, but creates another record against Australia

Cheteshwar missed his half century by seven runs on the first day of the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide, but did enough to have another record to his name.

Pujara’s innings that lasted 160 deliveries earned him a record that is a testament to his patience in this format of the game. He now holds the record for having faced the most number of deliveries against the Aussies in the last 10 years.

Pujara has now faced 3609 balls against Australia since January 1 2011, going past England skipper Joe Root, who consumed 3607.

Pujara, who has played 16 Tests against Australia and achieved the feat in 28 innings, while Root’s record has come after 46 innings.

Skipper Virat Kohli is third on the list. Kohli had faced 3183 balls against Australia till the 70th over the game in Adelaide.

Incidentally, it was the partnership between Kohli and Pujara which bailed India out of trouble after they had lost their openers with just 32 runs on the board.

Pujara was Australia’s nemesis when they won the series during their last tour and the way he has started this series, he looks well poised for many long hauls in the weeks to come.