Twitter Reactions: Cheteshwar Pujara's gritty ton keeps India ahead on a topsy-turvy day
England came back well in the contest thanks to Moeen Ali's five-wicket haul.
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The second day of the fourth Test match began with a hope for India that their batsmen will bat big and take a lead on a good pitch. It turned out to be a topsy-turvy one and Cheteshwar Pujara stood out not only for scoring a wonderful century but also for the way he marshalled the number 10 and 11 to frustrate England. Moreover, he was also successful in giving his team an all-important lead of 27 as they were bowled out for 273 runs.
The opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul looked confident at the start as runs came thick and fast in the first couple of over of the day. But the latter was deceived with an incoming delivery by Stuart Broad and then started the attritional Test cricket. Pujara came in blocked every ball and at one stage he was only three off 32 balls. Dhawan also slowed down considerably and the tight line against him worked for Broad again.
Brilliant partnership
Virat Kohli arrived and suddenly the run-scoring became easy. Pujara was set until then as the duo batted superbly threatening to bat the opposition out of the game. There was nothing for the bowlers in the wicket it seemed and they added 92 runs for the third wicket. However, Kohli lost his concentration for a wee bit and lost his wicket to Sam Curran after which Ben Stokes came and started to make things happen.
He got the crucial wicket of Ajinkya Rahane and then began the collapse. Moeen Ali got stuck into India’s lower-middle order and they collapsed from being 181/4 to 195/8. England were ahead now with 51 runs still in the kitty and must have fancied a handy first innings lead.
Frustrating tail
Ishant Sharma arrived and his front foot defence gave Pujara the assurance. He played some superb sweep shots and then his set partner grown in confidence as well. The spinners were played out easily and just when the 32-run partnership was starting to frustrate the hosts, Ali got Ishant to complete his five-wicket haul with India’s score reading 227/9 and most importantly Pujara on 96.
England would’ve once again fancied themselves to bat for a longer period of time but seldom did they know that Jasprit Bumrah will make life difficult for them. Meanwhile, Pujara amazingly shifted gears and played a lofted shot to reach his 15th Test century. But then, he didn’t let the concentration drift and played it smartly. Somehow, by playing unorthodox shots he farmed more strike and when it came to Bumrah to play out an over, he expertly did it.
In no time, India were in the lead and the tails of the visitors went up even as Pujara remained unbeaten on 132. Bumrah was finally dismissed but the last wicket managed to keep England in the ground for almost 15 overs.
Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings, the nervy openers, denied the bowlers any wicket in the tricky four-over period and India’s lead to 21 runs.
Here’s how Twitterati reacted during the course of the day:
There are some innings which give you a very different high. Pujara ‘s innings was one of those innings, will be long remembered. Added 78 with Ishant and Bumrah. India will need to bowl really well now pic.twitter.com/WwCJ6EO7Jp
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2018
Yesssss Mo lad 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) August 31, 2018
That is a knock full of character. @cheteshwar1 has shown his class in really tough conditions. Taking India to a lead, well played! #ENGvIND
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) August 31, 2018
Stumps: we're 6-0, trailing by 21 runs. How would you sum up the day's play? #ENGvIND
— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) August 31, 2018
Dropped from the side. Came back as an opener on a green SSC pitch. Scored a ton. Carried his bat.
Dropped for Edgbaston. Scores a 50
In Nottingham. A ton here.
Why does Pujara get dropped in the first place?? #EngvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 31, 2018
Another Great Test Match Pitch .. Exactly what TEST cricket needs .. #ENGvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 31, 2018
An exceptional knock under pressure from Pujara. Feel delighted for him and he has ensured India stay in the game. Really top knock @cheteshwar1
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 31, 2018
Congratulations @cheteshwar1 on a brilliant Test hundred in tough conditions. Loved the way he was calm despite the wickets falling around him. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/cyM6AYIObk
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 31, 2018
Well done @cheteshwar1 top inn.. well deserved 100 👏👏 #ENGvIND 4th Test
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 31, 2018
Fantastic, selfless innings from @cheteshwar1 . Has single handedly kept India in the game with his resilience and determination.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 31, 2018
May be…just may be…Vijay would’ve found a way to turn it around too. If only…
Invariably the heart goes out to one format players…especially the ones who wear only whites. #EngvInd— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 31, 2018
10 min to bat and on a pair… who would be an opening batter 😩 #comeonkeaton
— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) August 31, 2018
England 6 for 0 at the close of another intriguing day. Trail India by 21. Match is perfectly balanced. Anybody's game. Five day Test cricket alive and kicking.. #ENGvIND
— Uncle Norman Giller (@NormanGiller) August 31, 2018
That fourth over was a risk for England although it has had the benefit of Keaton Jennings being able to go to sleep tonight not on a pair #ENGvIND
— Nick (@nickcricket) August 31, 2018
Pujara Faced – 257 Balls
Rest of them – 255 Balls
Brilliant Patience Pujara 👌👏
Ishant & Bumrah Handy ✌️#IndvsEnd #ENGvIND— Nayagan R (@nayagansachin) August 31, 2018
Finally great to see Pujara in his strides #ENGvIND
— Chinmay Karnik (@cskarnik) August 31, 2018
What an effort by @cheteshwar1. Brilliant batsmanship! This is what #India needed. Looks like we've got our Dravid back. Thank you for bring #INDIA back into the game. Well done both of you @Jaspritbumrah93 & @cheteshwar1 #ENGvIND #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/FTYpvJPXdJ
— Blue Cap (@IndianzCricket) August 31, 2018
Top Innings this from @cheteshwar1 always believed he is one of the best we have..he is the old school type of a guy who you need in your test side..Well played #EngvInd
— Ashraf Mohammed (@Ashraf1107) August 31, 2018
What was that first @Jaspritbumrah93!!!!
Unlucky not to get wicket on such beautiful ball.#ENGvIND— Gannu (@gannu_vai) August 31, 2018
We did not miss the bulk runs when Rahul Dravid retired just because he was replaced by Pujara…#EngvInd #Pujara #NewWallofIndia #India pic.twitter.com/yiIeebAhFH
— Jovin John (@jovinjohn1978) August 31, 2018
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