Loved the way Cheteshwar Pujara went about his cricket: Matthew Hayden
Cricketing legend Matthew Hayden has been left impressed by Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who garnered plaudits from all corners of the world after his heroics in the Test series against Australia. The former left-handed opener said that he loved the way Pujara played his game in the four-match Test series and added that the sort of tenacious batting Pujara displayed had died with the Allan Border era in Australia. Pujara was named the Man of the Series as he was the leading run-getter amassing 521 runs with the willow at a brilliant average of 74.43 and helped India become the first Indian side in 72 years to win a Test series on Australian soil.
After the Test series win against Australia, India thumped the hosts 2-1 in the three-match ODI series as they completed the historic double. After the Australian tour, the Men in Blue started the New Zealand tour in some fashion by defeating the Kiwi by 8 wickets in the first ODI. “I loved the way (Pujara) went about his cricket,” the 47-year-old was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“That sort of tenacious batting almost died with the Allan Border era in this country, and that’s no disrespect to that era – they based their game on defence. Our era was kind of born out of that, and people forget that. Most of the players in our generation, whilst considered to be very attacking players, actually had outstanding defensive games,” Hayden added.
Pujara after receiving his Man of the Series award had credited the team for the overseas series win and added that playing in different countries have helped him improve his batting technique.
“It's a great feeling for all of us. We've been working really hard to win a series overseas. And especially doing it in this country, it's never easy. First hundred was special, scoring it in Adelaide and going 1-0 up is something which we were all aiming for. When you do that, there's a good chance of winning the series. So that hundred was special,” Pujara had said after receiving his Man of the Series award.
“As a batsman, you just need to get used to pace and bounce. Playing in different conditions, in South Africa, in England, in county cricket has helped me improve my technique. For me it's about the right preparation,” Pujara had added.
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