India vs Australia | Adelaide hundred was special, expresses Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara played a very vital role in India’s series win in Australia as he went on to hit three hundreds in the four-match series which concluded today. Two of his three centuries in Adelaide and Melbourne were in winning causes. Coming out to bat at No. 3, Pujara amassed 521 runs in seven innings at an average of 74.42 in the series.

After winning the trophies of Man of the Series and Man of the Match for the SCG Test, Pujara is of the opinion that the hundred in Adelaide was special considering that it was the first game and India took a 1-0 lead in the series. 

“It's a great feeling for all of us. We've been working really hard to win a series overseas. And especially doing it in this country, it's never easy. First hundred was special, scoring it in Adelaide and going 1-0 up is something which we were all aiming for. When you do that, there's a good chance of winning the series. So that hundred was special,” Pujara said during the presentation ceremony. 

Prior to the tour Down Under, India had gone to South Africa and England as well where Pujara’s performance was not up to the mark. The Saurashtra cricketer also played county cricket  in England and he underlined the fact that playing red-ball cricket in different conditions has really helped him in getting his technique right.

“As a batsman, you just need to get used to pace and bounce. Playing in different conditions, in South Africa, in England, in county cricket has helped me improve my technique. For me it's about the right preparation,” the Indian No. 3 explained.

Congratulating the Indian bowling attack for the amazing show Down Under, Pujara said, “Definitely the best squad I've been a part of. Congratulations to the bowlers. Have been playing with four bowlers and it's never been easy to bowl so many overs. Taking 20 wickets is never easy.”

Pujara, who is not a part of the Indian limited-overs sides, will now go back home and play for his state team Saurashtra in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. As he is not a part of any of the IPL teams, he can look forward to another stint of county cricket in England as he considers Test cricket as his priority. 

“I'll be playing some first-class cricket back home. During IPL, I might be playing county cricket. Next Test series is 6-7 months away. Will give me enough time to prepare. I'll work hard on my game to play white-ball cricket. But Test cricket is my priorit, it'll always remain my priority,” the Saurashtra batsman mentioned.