Cheteshwar Pujara, the Indian cricket team’s middle-order batsman, has scored a century for Sussex in preparation for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand. Pujara, who has been playing for Sussex since April, scored 137 runs off 289 balls in the County Championship match against Leicestershire. The Indian batsman’s century will provide a much-needed confidence boost to the Indian team ahead of the WTC final, which is scheduled to take place from June 18 to June 22 in Southampton.
Pujara’s century for Sussex is a significant achievement, considering his recent form in international cricket. The 33-year-old batsman has struggled to score runs in the past few months, with his last century coming against Australia in January 2021. Pujara’s poor form had raised concerns about his ability to perform in the WTC final, which is being touted as one of the biggest matches in the history of Indian cricket. However, his century for Sussex has put all doubts to rest and has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Pujara’s performance in the County Championship match against Leicestershire was not only important for his personal form but also for Sussex’s chances of winning the match. The Indian batsman played a crucial role in helping Sussex post a mammoth total of 415 runs in their first innings. Pujara’s innings was laced with 17 boundaries and a six, and he shared a 184-run partnership with opener Tom Haines. Sussex went on to win the match by an innings and 64 runs, thanks to Pujara’s century and a five-wicket haul by fast bowler Ollie Robinson.
In conclusion, Cheteshwar Pujara’s century for Sussex in preparation for the WTC final is a significant development for Indian cricket. The Indian batsman’s poor form had raised concerns about his ability to perform in the final, but his century has put all doubts to rest. Pujara’s innings was not only important for his personal form but also for Sussex’s chances of winning the match. The Indian team will be hoping that Pujara can replicate his County Championship form in the WTC final and help India win their first-ever Test championship title.
