India vs Australia | Knew what to expect from Australian pitches, claims Cheteshwar Pujara

After ending the T20I series at 1-1, India secured another win on their tour of Australia as they beat the hosts’ by 31 runs in the four-match Test series opener at the Adelaide Cricket Ground on Monday. The visitors specifically had Cheteshwar Pujara to thank, who kept Virat Kohli & Co. in the game with a valiant 123 in the first innings on a tough Day 1.

Pujara, who scored 71 in the second innings, was adjudged as man of the match for his exploits in the first Test and was delighted with his performance in what turned out to be a nervy finish in the end. However, the Indian Test specialist revealed that he had down an extensive study of Australian pitches before arriving on tour and was prepared for the tough conditions Down Under.

"Most important thing for me was the preparation. When I was back home, I knew what to expect from Australian pitches. The hundred was special. Ultimately winning the Test, credit goes to the bowlers. Getting a 15-run lead was a psychological advantage. Self-belief from the teammates was what made it possible," Pujara revealed in a post-match interview.

Pujara also added that his dad would be proud of his performance in the first Test. The Saurashtra-born cricketer has been criticised for not playing well enough on foreign tours but silenced his doubters after his exploits Down Under.

"Means a lot. He's someone who started coaching me when I was 8 years. He would be a proud dad. Always back my ability, have got enough experience playing for the Indian team. As a batting unit, we have a lot to improve on. We learn from our mistakes, and played much better in the second innings," Pujara added.