India’s top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara played the anchor’s role yet again with his third masterful century in the ongoing Test series, dominating against the hosts Australia on the opening day of the fourth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday.
After captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first, Team India made a strong start by ending at 303/4 in 90 overs on Day 1.
Opener Mayank Agarwal was another solid performer, continuing his good form with a 77-run knock.
At stumps, Pujara (130) and Hanuma Vihari (39) were holding the fort for the visiting side, in pursuit of a maiden Test series win on the Australian soil.
India have already retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with their unassailable lead.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Pujara’s masterclass in Sydney:
Yet another Test Match, yet another marvellous innings from Pujara. Many congratulations on the 18th Test hundred. Has been a delight to watch you bat, @cheteshwar1 ! pic.twitter.com/dxTiaidSYc
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 3, 2019
Calmness while batting, calmness in celebration. Pujara stands out in today’s frenetic world as he has done in this series.👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏#AusvIndia
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 3, 2019
Very happy for Pujara. Here is a player who knows his game inside out, is comfortable with who he is and how he plays and is just a simple, modest man. And that quality is a big part of his cricket.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2019
Zindagi na milegi Pujara. Brilliant to watch the determination and the consistency has been amazing.
Congratulations @cheteshwar1 on your third hundred of the series.— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 3, 2019
3 hundreds in the series, more than 400 runs, most of these made in masterly fashion. @cheteshwar1 has not merely blunted the Aussie attack, he’s nade it wilt. In many ways, he’s been the difference between the two sides. Epic performance!👏👏👏
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1080695094607597568
Cheteshwar Pujara 💯 the difference between the two teams. #class #AUSvIND @cheteshwar1
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 3, 2019
Stand and applaud @cheteshwar1 💯 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 another brilliant innings and he does not look satisfied 🤦♂️🏏 wants 200
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 3, 2019
Pujaraaaa bolo tara rara @cheteshwar1 3 hundreds in last 3 games in australia.. what a player @BCCI #AUSvIND 4th test
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 3, 2019
Pujara for endorsing Cement. You won’t find a better brand ambassador 😊🙌👍 #AusvInd #7Cricket @7Cricket @1116sen
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 3, 2019
The wall stands tall. #ChereshwarPujara 👏🏻👏🏻
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) January 3, 2019
Heartiest Congratulations @cheteshwar1 3 hundreds and just the way he has batted on this tour.. Standout
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) January 3, 2019
Test cricket ka Pujari – Cheteshwar Pujara!#AusvInd#AusvsInd
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 3, 2019
.@cheteshwar1 what a champion! Consistency sets him apart from the rest. Congratulations on another big ton. #AUSvIND #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/t9gOYCzcbl
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) January 3, 2019
It is just amazing too see @Cheteshwar1 churning out century after century Down Under. He has tormented the Aussie bowlers and has been super patient and reaped the rewards. Way to Go! 🏏#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/dL2LqdP3IN
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) January 3, 2019
In this series Australian players have seen @cheteshwar1 more than their wives 😂🤣 #AUSvIND
— Sarah Taylor (@SarahTheCricket) January 3, 2019
