Australia vs India 2018: Most Important Thing for Me Was the Preparation - Cheteshwar Pujara

India won the first Test convincingly beating Australia by 31 runs and lead the four-match Test series 1-0. However, Cheteshwar Pujara has been the critical factor behind the win, as he had scored a century in the first innings followed by a half-century in the second essay.

Moreover, Pujara is the only batsman to score 50 plus runs in all of India’s three away wins in 2018. He scored 50 off 179 in the 1st innings at Jo’burg against South Africa. Later, the right-hander had scored 72 off 208 in the second essay at Trent Bridge against England, and now he had scored 123 and 71 in both the innings against Australia in Adelaide.

In addition to, Cheteshwar Pujara’s second innings score and his partnership of 87 with Ajinkya Rahane (70) for the fourth wicket helped India to reach 307. However, Virat Kohli’s men set Australia a target of 323 runs to win the first Test.

Furthermore, the right-handed batsman revealed his preparation for the Down Under. He also applauded all the bowlers for putting their best effort to pick up the wickets as and when required. The right-hander also said that India had improved their batting capabilities, but still they need to do more.

“Most important thing for me was the preparation. When I was back home, I knew what to expect from Australian pitches. The hundred was special. Ultimately winning the Test, credit goes to the bowlers. Getting a 15-run lead was a psychological advantage. Self-belief from the teammates was what made it possible. Always back my ability, have got enough experience playing for the Indian team. As a batting unit, we have a lot to improve on. We learn from our mistakes and played much better in the second innings. Means a lot. He’s someone who started coaching me when I was eight years. He would be a proud dad” Cheteshwar Pujara said during the post-match ceremony.

Meanwhile, India had never won a Test series in Australia and will be keen to achieve the glory this time. Also, the second Test of the four-match Test series will commence from December 14, 2018 in Perth.