Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the Test team over complaints about his strike rate and approach after the commencement of the South Africa series.
Cheteshwar Pujara plays a shot for India. (Courtesy: BCCI/PTI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- India vs England’s final Test was rescheduled
- England have moved away from the leadership of Joe Root
- Ben Stokes’ England pose fresh challenges for Rohit Sharma’s India
India are set to take on England in the rescheduled fifth Test match of the 2021 series with expectations to seal the series, which they lead by a margin of 2-1. A spirited India, led by Virat Kohli blew away Joe Root’s conservative England taking the lead in the series.
A lot has happened to both the teams then. Both captains have relinquished their positions and some key personnel changes has also been made to the team.
Senior India batter Cheteshwar Pujara spoke ahead of the game, stressing on the same issue, and sai that the long break between the two matches of the series means that India need to regroup ahead of taking on Ben Stokes’ England.
“It is after a long time. So we just need to regroup. We just need to understand our strengths. The good part for us is we are here early. So there is plenty of time to prepare for all the players,” Pujara said in an interview with the BCCI, during India’s practice match vs Leicester.
“I think the most important thing is we have a good bunch of players. We have quality fast bowlers. So the way the guys did in the last four matches here, I am sure they are eager to do the same thing again. If we can win this particular Test and win this series on English soil, I think it will probably be one of the best victories for India. All of us are looking forward to this Test match.”
India will be faced with new challenges against an aggressive Ben Stokes side, who have been in brilliant form against New Zealand at home.
“I think it’s a good challenge for us, yes, we are 2-1 ahead in the series, but at the same time, this is the most important Test match of the series.”
“And yeah, if we play to our potential, if we stick to our strengths, understand what we need as a team and what has given us success in those four Test matches which we played here, we just need to repeat those things,” Pujara added.
India’s Test match against England starts on 1 July.