Australia vs India 2018: Players Like Pujara and Kohli Are Taking Indian Cricket Forward, Reckons Madan Lal

Former Indian National Cricket team player Madan Lal shared high praise centurion Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli saying that they are taking Indian cricket forward. Meanwhile, the duo shared a 170-run stand for the third wicket as the visitors posted a massive first innings total.

Kohli decided to declare the innings on 443 for seven keeping an odd thirty minutes to have a go at the Aussie batsmen. However, they resisted to keep their wickets intact at the end of day two.

“The whole credit goes to Pujara and Kohli. Pujara is a kind of player who spends a lot of time on the wicket which helps him get more and more runs. Same is the case with Kohli. When he starts batting it feels like he would score a hundred. Players like Pujara and Kohli are taking the Indian team forward,” Lal told ANI on Thursday.

Asked about India’s performance so far in the MCG Test with three days left, Madan Lal said that the visiting side got a solid start.

“India batted really well. What went in their favour was that they got a good start. It was missing in the first two Tests. When you get a good start, other players also get confident and motivated to take the team’s score towards a big total,” he added.

Mayank Agarwal showed confidence

Lal lauded debutant Mayank Agarwal for a good start, who played a gritty knock of 76 runs showing a lot of attitude and spirit. It is also the highest score by an Indian on debut in Australia.

“Mayank Agarwal played really well innings. He showed a good attitude and played with a lot of confidence. Playing your first Test in front of this huge crowd of MCG is a big deal for any cricketer,” he said.

“Agarwal’s contribution was crucial. It is because of his smashing opening innings that India managed a good total in the end,” he added.

In conclusion, Madan Lal tipped India as the favourites to win this Test and go 2-1 up in the four-match Test series.