Cricket

Cheteshwar Pujara defends Ravindra Jadeja, says he could have looked to score down the ground in Lord’s Test

India’s solid batter Cheteshwar Pujara has put his weight behind Ravindra Jadeja after Shubman Gill’s team suffered a heartbreaking loss of 22 runs at Lord’s. Jadeja scored a fighting knock of 61 runs off 181 balls, but his efforts went in vain after Mohammed Siraj was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir.

Pujara reckons Jadeja adopted the right approach as it is not easy to hit the big shots against the soft ball. The former Indian number three believes Jadeja could have looked to score down the ground, around the cover and mid-off region.

Pujara said via the Indian Express, “The only thing he could have done better is to look to score down the ground. Like there was a gap between mid-off and cover. He couldn’t have scored faster on that track. I felt that it was because the ball was soft, and the pitch was on the slower side. I guess, Jadeja would have thought that the tailenders were batting well and the team was getting close to the total.”

“And once they were a little closer, he would have taken his chances. I thought he was batting well. It was very difficult to score runs on that pitch.”

Pujara noted that earlier, Jadeja lacked a bit of strength against the seamers, which is not the case now.

“He is now able to face seamers and spinners equally well. Earlier, he was a good player of spin but lacked a little bit of strength against seamers, which is not the case now. Earlier, it was the case of him not converting his good starts to big scores at the highest level. See, one can’t get 300 in first-class cricket without skills. But you need to convert, like you do at first-class level, at international level,” said Pujara.

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Andy Roddick says Cameron Norrie should feel ‘encouraged’ ahead of playing Novak Djokovic at the US Open

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick reckons Cameron Norrie should feel encouraged ahead of playing… Read More

August 29, 2025

Jannik Sinner goes past Alexei Popyrin, books R3 spot in New York

Top seed Jannik Sinner continued his rich form in the ongoing US Open, beating Australia’s… Read More

August 29, 2025

Lionel Messi says World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela is going to be very special

Lionel Messi said the World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela is going to be very… Read More

August 29, 2025

PKL 12: U Mumba vs Gujarat Giants, Match 4 – Preview

U Mumba will open their Pro Kabaddi League 2025 campaign against Gujarat Giants at the… Read More

August 29, 2025

PKL 12: Bengal Warriorz vs Haryana Steelers, Match 6 – Preview

Bengal Warriorz will kick off their PKL 12 campaign against reigning champions Haryana Steelers at… Read More

August 29, 2025

Ashwin is writing a different story – Aakash Chopra reacts to off-spinner’s IPL retirement

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to call… Read More

August 29, 2025