Cheteshwar Pujara Copped Absolute Barrage From Us, But Batted Like An Australia At Gabba: Marcus Harris

Australia opener Marcus Harris lauded India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was enduring a barrage of terrific pace bowling from the Australian pacers but kept coming at the opposition despite being hit on the chest and arms. Harris appreciated Pujara’s efforts with the bat and said that he batted like an Australia in the series-deciding Test match at the Gabba in Brisbane.

The 4^th and final Test between Australia and India was a mouthwatering one especially after India managed to draw the Sydney Test match despite chasing 407 runs to win and at one time looking like they might get the runs thanks to Rishabh Pant’s 97. But Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin held on for a draw.

Australia set up a tricky 328-run target for India to chase in the 4^th innings and on the final day, India had to chase down 327 runs. Opener Shubman Gill scored 91 runs, while Cheteshwar Pujara contributed crucial 56 runs to the team’s cause, while Rishabh Pant smashed 89* to take India to the victory with 2 wickets in hand as they registered just the second consecutive Test series victory Down Under.

For Cheteshwar Pujara To Be Copping An Absolute Barrage From Everyone, It Felt Like He Batted Like An Australian: Marcus Harris

Australia opener in the match, Marcus Harris recalled Pujara’s heroic innings in the match, and said that he batted “like an Australian”. He said that for Pujara to endure getting hit on the chest and arms repeatedly and still getting it on with it was a feat in itself.

“The final day was amazing to watch. We were thinking the whole day if they would go for the runs or not. I think Rishabh played the best innings that day, but for Pujara to be copping an absolute barrage from everyone, it felt like he batted like an Australian, taking everything on the chest and getting on with it. The rest of the team just batted around him,” Harris said on ‘Cricket Life Stories’ YouTube channel.

Rishabh Pant’s Innings Was Unbelievable: Marcus Harris

Furthermore, Harris spoke about the outstanding innings from Rishabh Pant, who along with the all-rounder Washington Sundar and the tail-enders shepherded India across the finishing line in the end. He remained unbeaten on 89* hitting 9 fours and a six in his knock.

“Rishabh Pant’s innings was unbelievable. Everyone says he has magic in him, and he has showed that a few times now. It was disappointing to lose the series but sometimes in cricket you just have tip your hat and say they were too good for us,” Harris signed off.

This was the first time India had beaten Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane and it was Australia’s first loss at the venue, which is called their fortress since 1988-89.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Should Be Our First-Choice Keeper In England: Wriddhiman Saha