Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

India vs England 1st Test: Pujara will be huge wicket for us, says Root

In awe of his ability to play long innings, England skipper Root underlined the importance of Pujara's wicket and the need for batting like him during the course of the four-Test series against India

File photo: Ind vs Eng 4th Test Day 2: Pujara hits 100 as India middle order crumbles
File photo: Ind vs Eng 4th Test Day 2: Pujara hits 100 as India middle order crumbles
Press Trust of India Chennai
3 min read Last Updated : Feb 05 2021 | 7:31 AM IST

In awe of his ability to play long innings, England skipper Joe Root on Thursday underlined the importance of Cheteshwar Pujara's wicket and the need for batting like him during the course of the four-Test series against India.

CHECK IND vs ENG 1st TEST live toss, live score and match updates here

Check IND vs ENG 1st Test toss and live streaming details here

Rajkot-born Pujara proved to be Australia's nemesis yet again in the recent four-match series Down Under, scoring three half-centuries but more importantly consuming over 900 balls.

Root described him as a "fantastic" player.

Check IND vs ENG 1st Test playing 11 prediction here

"I think, he (Pujara) is a fantastic player. I had (the) pleasure of playing alongside him only a couple of games at Yorkshire and you know to learn from him, speak to about batting and his love of the game, it is really interesting, Root said at the virtual press conference on the eve of the first Test beginning here on Friday.

Root said Pujara's wicket would be huge for his team. England's tour of India 2021

"So, having played against him as well and being at the wrong end of him, making some huge scores and been out there for long periods of time, you know you learn from those kinds of innings.

"And you have seen his importance, the value that he adds to the Indian team, he is going to be a huge wicket for us, no doubt about that."

Check IND vs ENG latest news updates here

The England skipper, in fact, went ahead and said that at times, England players will have to bat long and see whether they are as mentally strong as Pujara.

More From This Section

"At times, it might be we have to try our patience and play a long game and see if we can be as mentally strong as he is at the crease, when we are out there in the field.

Check ICC Test championship latest news, schedule and points table here

"We know he is a fantastic player and he has got a fantastic record in particular, so it is going to be a great challenge to come up against him, said Root.

Pujara, recently completed his 6000 Test runs and has 6111 runs from 81 Tests, with unbeaten 206 as his highest score.

CHECK IND vs ENG FULL SCHEDULE, SQUAD, LIVE STREAMING AND HEAD TO HEAD DETAILS

Also Read

Topics :Joe RootCheteshwar PujaraIndia vs EnglandIndia cricket teamEngland cricket teamICC World Test ChampionshipTest Cricket

First Published: Feb 04 2021 | 4:44 PM IST

Next Story