After scoring a double ton on Sussex debut, Cheteshwar Pujara showed his class again with an unbeaten 85 against Worcestershire on Day 2’s play at New Road, Worcester. While Pujara continued his new-found form on English pitches, Pakistan’s star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan got out for a golden duck.
Pujara practically opened the innings for Sussex as their opener got out for a golden duck. Alistair Orr got bowled by Joe Leach off the first ball of the innings.
In-form batter and skipper Tom Haines and Pujara ensured that Sussex do not lose any more wickets early in the innings. However, Haines’ innings came to an end in the 12th over as Charlie Morris got him bowled. While Haines scored a 30-ball 26, Pujara was looking to play himself in.
Pujara stitched a 121-run partnership for the third wicket with Tom Clark. The partnership was going well but with the old ball Leach struck again and stopped Clark from scoring his half-century. Clark got out after scoring 44 runs in the 47th over.
Rizwan fails
At no.5, Rizwan walked out to bat and got out for a golden duck. The Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter edged one to wicketkeeper Ben Cox. Leach was on a hat-trick but could not get one. However, in his next over, he got Jamie Atkins bowled for a five-ball duck.
Another big score
Meanwhile, Pujara continued to play his shots and got to his half-century. Delray Ralwins ensured no more wickets fall in the last session. The 34-year-old remained unbeaten for 85 off 157 deliveries and helped Sussex post 169/5 in reply to Worcestershire’s first innings score of 491. Pujara's next task will be to help Sussex avoid follow-on.
Chance for return to Test side
The Indian veteran batter will have a chance on Day 3 to hit his second consecutive century in the format. The runs he gets during his Sussex stint may help him get into the Indian side for the one-off Test in England later this year – the fifth Test that got postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak in Indian camp last year.
