Cameron Green’s delivery rattled Cheteshwar Pujara’s off stump on Day 2.©AFP
Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara had a great chance to continue his County Championship form into the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. However, Pujara (14) not only managed to score big runs but also donated his wicket by trailing Cameron Green’s delivery, rattling his stumps in the first innings on Day 2. Young lead-off hitter Shubman Gill, who played during the recently concluded Indian Premier League, was also similarly sacked by Scott Boland.
Comparing both dismissals, Shastri ripped in Pujara for leaving the ball, adding that Gill was ‘lazy’ but will improve with time and experience.
“We talk about leaving the ball in England and we always talk about knowing where your stump is. This isn’t knowing where your stump is. Look, Shubman Gill is a bit lazy with his footwork. He’ll learn; he’s still still young, but Pujara will be very disappointing when he sees that. It should have been a bit further to the ball and over the line of the ball. That’s why they keep telling you: know where your stump is,” added the former India coach please,” Shastri said on the air.
Shastri further slammed Pujara for exposing his off stump calling it “an error of judgement”.
“That’s a bad exit because the forefoot just went across. He should be moving towards the ball; he wanted to play it and then decided if he should leave it. You see, the way he exits the ball, the exit .” stump is visible. The front foot is still in the center of the stump when it actually moves towards the stump. Watch that front foot. He should be further towards the ball. He thought he was outside the stump. It was an error of judgment,” he added.
Replying to Australia’s total of 469 in the first inning, India was 151/5 on stumps on Day 2 and trailed by 318 runs.
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