Cheteshwar Pujara scores century as Sussex captain against Middlesex at Lord’s Cricket Ground

Cheteshwar Pujara continued his dream for Sussex in the County Championship Division Two, this time leading the team against Middlesex on the first day of their match against Middlesex at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Pujara scored his fifth century of the ongoing county season for Sussex, reaching the 100-mark on the first day at the iconic venue. The veteran India batsman moved the scoreboard at a brisk pace as Sussex dominated the Middlesex bowling attack. On the first day of the 38th match, Pujara hit nine fours and a six as Sussex crossed 300 in the final session.

Notably, Pujara was captaining Sussex after being named as the interim captain for their match against Middlesex. Pujara’s appointment as captain came after regular skipper Tom Haines was taken out of action for six weeks with a broken bone in his arm while batting against Leicestershire earlier this month.

Pujara remained unbeaten on 115 as Sussex reached the stumps at 328 for 4 at Lord’s on Tuesday.

A century at Lord’s Four @cheteshwar1 #love lords https://t.co/lwUbqV0Haj

— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) 19 July 2022

Sussex coach Ian Salisbury said before the match: “Pooj was very keen to step up in Tom’s absence, he sees potential in this side and has been a natural leader ever since he joined.”

Notably, it was a face-off between Pujara and his Indian teammate Umesh Yadav, who joined Middlesex after the rescheduled 5th Test against England. Umesh did not take a wicket despite bowling 18 overs on the first day.

Pujara batted at No. 4 for Sussex on the opening day at Lord’s and shared a 219-run fourth wicket stand with fellow centurion Tom Alsop, who was all out for 135 at the end of day’s play.

Notably, Pujara has been in excellent form in the County Championship Division 2. He started his stint with Sussex by scoring a double century against Derbyshire.

He then scored a century against Worcestershire and a double century against Durham. Pujara scored an unbeaten 170 against Middlesex in May and poor form helped him make a comeback in the Test side after being dropped for the home series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Pujara managed to keep his Test hopes alive by scoring a crucial 66 in the second innings for India against England in the rescheduled 5th Test, which the visitors lost despite Ben Stokes taking a first-innings lead against England.

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