Table of Contents
Former Australia captain Tim Paine has opened up about the Indian batter who gave his team the most trouble during his captaincy, and he is none other than Cheteshwar Pujara.
Pujara has built his Test career on patience, rock-solid defense and monster concentration. He was a batsman who hung around at the crease and made the bowlers work hard for every wicket. He faced more than 16,200 balls in Test cricket and finished with a career average of 43.61. Earlier, Tim Paine surprised by Rishabh Pant’s India white-ball snub, sends strong message.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s unique batting style made him a nightmare for Australia
Cheteshwar Pujara’s biggest strength was his ability to absorb pressure without taking unnecessary risks. The former Indian batter could leave deliveries outside off stump for hours and was ready to take body blows from fast bowlers rather than play risky shots.
His technique was also different. Pujara’s back knee often collapsed while batting, which sometimes made him vulnerable against short balls, but it also helped him get low against spin and play shots through the off side.
His movement and front-foot press allowed him to create angles and find gaps against the spinners. Yet, Pujara’s patience was especially important during India’s memorable Test tours of Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The former right-handed batter’s ability to spend long periods at the crease forced the Australian bowlers to keep attacking and gradually tested their energy and patience.
Cheteshwar Pujara used to irritate us: Tim Paine
Tim Paine has recalled how Australia constantly searched for a way to remove Pujara. Pat Cummins eventually found some success against him, getting him caught behind. However, Pujara remained one of the toughest Indian batters to break down for Paine and Australia.
Tim Paine was quoted as saying by the Times of India, "Pujara. He was hard to get out. He had great concentration and discipline and was tough. He used to irritate us. We were just trying to get him out. Pat Cummins eventually figured him out a bit and got him caught behind.”
Tim Paine reveals Australia A’s big plan during India tour
Meanwhile, Australia A are touring India for two unofficial Tests and three unofficial ODIs against India A, with Tim Paine working as their coach. The tour is aimed at giving young Australian players valuable experience in Indian conditions.
The former Australian captain feels such A tours are important for preparing the next generation. He stressed that playing in India helps young cricketers understand the conditions and build better game plans ahead of major series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He added, “That's why we're investing quite a lot of time and resources into getting the next group of cricketers over here.” Amid this, Mitchell Starc nearly announces retirement on podcast, Alyssa Healy left surprised.
The former Australian wicketkeeper also highlighted the challenge of facing talented batters such as Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. Paine believes that the young Australian bowlers can learn a lot by bowling to quality Indian players in difficult conditions.
Paine signed off by saying, “There's a lot of footage available, but if it was as simple as saying, 'This is his weakness and this is how you get him out,' they wouldn't be the player they are now.”
