Team Australia bestows special jersey to Cheteshwar Pujara

Following a decisive victory in the second Test match in Delhi, Indian batting bulwark Cheteshwar Pujara was bestowed a signed jersey by Australian team for completing a century of Test matches for India. Pujara, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings of his 100th Test, hit the winning runs for his side as India retained the Border-Gavaskar series.

Indian batting ace Cheteshwar Pujara’s 100th Test turned out to be a memorable outing as the veteran batter came to the fore on a tricky surface in the fourth innings. He sealed India’s victory in the Test match with a boundary, making it two successive wins for the hosts.

Pujara received a signed jersey from Pat Cummins in the aftermath of the game as a mark of respect. The Australian jersey was signed by all the squad members on the tour of the subcontinent and had a message for the Indian ace, reading, “Thanks for all the great battles.”

It is worth noting that India also did the same for veteran Aussie spinner Nathon Lyon in 2021. The then-Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane had awarded Lyon a signed Indian jersey on his milestone for the Australian team.

Earlier, when the Australian spinner was quizzed about dismissing Pujara for a duck on his 100th Test match, Lyon reserved a cheeky response, suggesting that the Indian batter had done the same on his 100th Test appearance in Gabba.

“Well, Gabba was my 100th Test. My dream of defending 300 at the Gabba was also shattered. I know it is his 100th Test. Fairytales don’t come the way (you) like. But over the years, I have had some unbelievable battles with Pujara. It’s been pretty amazing,” Lyon said with a cheeky smile when asked about ruining Pujara’s landmark Test.