Australia vs India 2018: 'I Focus More on Pujara than Kohli' - Josh Hazlewood

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood opens about the focus being too much on Virat Kohli during Tests. Post the fourth day’s play in Perth, Hazlewood said he focuses more on Cheteshwar Pujara, as India’s key batsman than Kohli. Moreover, Australia got both the big wickets in Pujara and Virat, leaving India at 112 for five at stumps on day four.

Day four Summary

Meanwhile, the Perth Test has been swinging like a pendulum so far. Early on the fourth day, Australia didn’t lose a wicket until the first over post lunch. Mohammed Shami, who took six wickets in the second innings ha Paine off a beauty. Bagging a few more in no time, India had Australia in a worrying position. However, the last wicket partnership between Starc and Hazlewood saw the Aussies score 243, giving India a target of 287.

Coming out to bat, India lost KL Rahul as early as in the first over. A few overs later, Cheteshwar Pujara also departed, courtesy Hazlewood’s ripper. Post lunch, Virat and Vijay tried steading the ship, but Nathan Lyon had some other plans. He first got the big fish, Kohli and then bowled Vijay to push India back. Furthermore, before stumps on day four, India lost Rahane, leaving Pant and Vihari at the crease.

I focus more on Pujara – Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood, however, took a dig at Kohli’s stance as the best batsman in the team, saying he doesn’t feel so, and instead, he focuses more on Pujara as India’s crucial batsman. During the interview, when asked if there’s too much focus on Virat as the key batsman, Josh said,

‘No, I don’t think so. I actually focus more on Cheteshwar Pujara when I am bowling’.

Virat fails to shine in the second innings

After hitting a magnificent 123 in the first innings, India captain, Virat Kohli didn’t get going in the second essay. Looking at ease while facing the bowlers early on, Virat got out to Nathan Lyon. The Aussie spinner, who’s on a wicket-taking spree in this Test series, had the batting star for the second time in four innings. Meanwhile, Pujara didn’t seem to hit the right gear as well, as he fell early to Hazlewood.