Lyon Heaps Praise on Pujara Despite Record 13th Dismissal
Nathan Lyon has been all over Cheteshwar Pujara in the ongoing series (AP Photo)
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia, the intriguing battle between India's premier Test batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Australia's prolific spinner, Nathan Lyon, has been nothing short of riveting.
The Australian has been able to get the better of the Indian talisman on three occasions in as many Tests.
The latest dismissal was in the second innings of the Indore Test where Pujara was caught at slip after playing a resilient knock of 59, which helped India secure a lead in the game. It is worth noting that this was the 13th time that Lyon had dismissed Pujara in Test cricket, making him the bowler with the most number of dismissals of an Indian batter.
Despite his successful record against the Indian veteran, Lyon holds Pujara in high esteem and was quick to commend his solid defense in the second innings.
In a press conference after the end of play on Day 2, Lyon heaped praise on Pujara and stated that he is an extraordinary cricketer. He added that regardless of the bounce at the Gabba or the turn here, the Saurashtra born batter remains unaffected.
The Australian spinner's statement highlights the immense respect he has for Pujara's skills and abilities. It is a testament to the quality of the contest between the two players, where they have both given their all and performed at their best.
Meanwhile, courtesy of Lyon’s sensational 10-wicket haul, the visitors managed to make an astounding comeback to win the Indore Test, thus booking their berth in the World Test Championship final.
With the series poised at 2-1 in favour of the hosts, an epic battle is on the cards in the fourth Test that is set to get underway on March 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in in Ahmedabad.
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