Cheteshwar Pujara Is Playing To Survive Than To Score Runs: Allan Border

Former Australian skipper Allan Border took a dig at Cheteshwar Pujara’s batting approach after the Indian No.3 registered his slowest Test half-century in Sydney, claiming that he is almost ‘scared’ to play a shot.

Pujara’s batting approach came under the scanner on Saturday despite him ending up as India’s joint-highest run-getter. Pujara looked ultra-cautious in his approach as he stroked 16 runs in his first 100 deliveries. He took 33 balls to score his first run on day 03.

Pujara eventually showed a bit of intent in the second half of his innings but he failed to convert it into a daddy hundred thanks to a peach of a delivery by Pat Cummins.

Border said that Pujara’s cautious approach has had a ripple effect on the other Indian batsmen.

“He [Pujara] is almost scared to play a shot, isn’t he? He is playing to survive rather than looking to score,” Allan Border told foxsports.com.au.

“He’s not had quite the same impact this series in that he’s taken so long to score his runs, it’s like he’s stagnated at the crease and it has had a bit of a ripple effect through the Indian batting. They can’t seem to get on top of Australia’s bowling,” he added.

Allan Border, however, lavished praise on the Pat Cummins-led Australian attack for its relentlessness.

Pat Cummins was once again the pick of Australian bowlers as he sent down 21.4 overs and gave away just 29 runs and claimed four wickets and he was ably supported by the likes of Josh Hazlewood, who bowled 10 maidens during his quota of 21 overs besides taking two wickets.

“Credit where credit is due, the bowling has been very good and Australia haven’t allowed them to get away. That’s half the battle as well, the guy’s been hard to get out but if the scoreboard is not moving, eventually you get your rewards.” he added.

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