If Given A Choice I Will Prefer To Play With The Red Ball Over Pink Ball - Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s middle-order batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara would prefer to play the red ball over the pink ball in Test cricket. Pujara, who was once again the crucial cog of the Indian batting against Australia in the series in which India won, opines that there are different strategies to play both balls despite the format being the same.

India has played two Tests with the pink-ball, which is used in day-night Test matches, India’s first pink-ball affair was against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens which the hosts won comfortably.

Recently, the Virat Kohli-led side was humbled by the Australian bowlers in the Adelaide Test which was played with the pink-ball – India was bowled out for their lowest Test total of 36 runs.

“I would prefer to play with the red ball if given the choice because it’s a different ball game altogether as a batter you need to have a different strategy. Yes, pink-ball is a different ball game. Although it’s the same format, I feel it’s a different ball game. So given a choice, I will prefer to play with a red ball,” Cheteshwar Pujara told Sports Today.

There’s still a bit of a bruise and a bit of pain: Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara reveals that he still feels the pain of the body blows received in the Brisbane Test against Australia. Cheteshwar Pujara, who face most balls in the series Down Under, was truck about a dozen times on his body at the Gabba as he battled for a gritty fifty which helped the visitors win the match and the series.

“There are still some marks, the blood is still there. There’s still a bit of a bruise and a bit of pain in that, but it’s nothing significant. Only when I touch that spot, I experience pain. Nothing serious,” Cheteshwar Pujara told Times of India.

Not recovered completely from the last series, the 33-year-old is ready to take on the English bowlers who have variety in their attack, from the high pace of Jofra Archer to swing and seam masters in James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

However, Cheteshwar Pujara, who has previous experiences of playing the England pacers, is confident to pile up runs again. The first Test commences on 5th February in Chennai.

“I’ve played against Jofra Archer in county cricket. However, that was in England, and a couple of years back. Now, I will be playing against him in India. It’ll be different. I look forward to this challenge. I’ve faced Stuart Broad and James Anderson in England and in India, which will definitely help me. It’s one of the best pace bowling pairs I’ve seen in world cricket who look to bowl in tandem,” the right-hander added.

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