Pujara Ashwin completed his challenge with a six off Ajaz Patel’s mid-wicket haul. It was also Pujara’s first six in the last two years. Pujara last hit a six in 2019 against South Africa. Pujara hit his 15th six against Ajax in his 15th Test career.
Earlier this year, before the Test series against England, Ashwin challenged Pujara to score six against a spinner in a Test. Ashwin’s challenge came during an interview with India’s batting coach Vikram Rathore on his official YouTube channel ahead of the series. Ashwin had said that if Pujara took up the challenge, he would go down to play with a half mustache.
Will we ever see Pujara hit a six against an off-spinner in Tests? ” Ashwin asked. In response, he said, “Efforts are progressing. I’m trying to convince him that he can find runs through sixes from time to time. But he doesn’t take it, he just asks why he hits sixes when he can score on fours and runs. ” Rathore’s humorous reply was.
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Ashwin then challenged, “If he hits Moin Ali or any other spinner out of the crease and hits a six in the series against England, I will go down to play with my mustache cut in half.” This is an open challenge, ”said Ashwin.
Rathore, who knew the disciple at the time, replied, “That is a great challenge. We can expect him to take over. But I do not think he will take it. “
But now that Pujara has taken up Ashwin’s challenge and completed it, everyone is watching to see if Ashwin will go down to play with his half mustache.
India hold on to Mumbai Tests; 332-run lead at stumps on the second day
India in strong form at the end of the second day of the second Test against New Zealand. After scoring 325 in the first innings, India bowled out the Kiwis for just 62 and were 69 for no loss at stumps on the second day. Despite the threat of a follow-on to New Zealand, India captain Kohli decided to send India back to bat. Mayank Agarwal (39) and Cheteshwar Pujara (29) were at the crease. Shubhman Gill, who injured his finger while fielding, was replaced by Pujara Mayank to open the innings.
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