Jonty Rhodes responds to Cheteshwar Pujara's subtle dig

After a challenging day of Test cricket in Johannesburg, Indian No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara went on to say that the said their bowlers can bowl better than South Africans. And as one can expect, it is a comment that might not go down well with the hosts. Former Proteas batsman and analyst cum commentator in the ongoing tour, Jonty Rhodes has responded to it.

On Day 1 of the third Test at the Wanderers on Wednesday, India were bowled out for 187. Pujara and Virat Kohli hit half centuries. At stumps, the Proteas were 6/1. After the day’s play, speaking to cricketer-turned-commentator Shaun Pollock, Pujara said it was a tough wicket to bat on and the target of 187 was equal to 300.

“It (187) is as good as scoring 300 on any normal pitch. Our bowlers are used to bowling better lengths than what South Africans are used to. If you bowl in the right areas and if you pitch the ball in the right length, it is very difficult to play on this wicket. Our bowlers are used to bowling in that area,” the right-hander said on Sony TEN1 TV.

During the post-match show for the broadcaster, former cricketers Murali Kartik and Rhodes where involved in a discussion with journalist and commentator Harsha Bhogle when Pujara made the comment. Harsha, referring to Pujara’s comments, said, “In his own gentle way, he (Pujara) also took a dig at South Africa, saying our bowlers bowled better lines, lengths.”

To this, Rhodes responded saying, “That is the same guy that said they will be happy to chase 350 in the last innings in Cape Town. Was it not? Just check. I remember his interview. I am just checking. He is talking about 300 (in Johannesburg). It was a good effort.”

Pujara during the first Test in Cape Town had said, “To be honest, we don’t want to chase too many runs but at the same time, the way the wicket is behaving, I think, anywhere around 350 will be chaseable. In the first innings, the top order obviously didn’t click but in the second innings I think we will put up a better show and if we continue to bat well, we can definitely get more than 350.”

India lost the first Test by 72 runs after they were bowled out for 135 failing to chase a target of 209. They were defeated in the second game too, by 135 runs as they failed to chase 287. South Africa have already won the Freedom Test series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. However, India are playing for pride in the final Test and looked much more poised on Day 2 Stumps than they have in the entire series.