Pujara Supports All-Round Duo To Maintain Places In India's Bowling Attack For Adelaide Test

Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed his support for young all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar to keep their places in India's lineup for the second Test against Australia. This match is set to take place next week in Adelaide.

With the return of captain Rohit Sharma and the possible inclusion of Shubman Gill, Team India might adjust their batting lineup. However, Pujara believes that the bowling attack should remain unchanged for the upcoming pink-ball Test.

Rohit Sharma is anticipated to resume his role as captain for the day-night Test in Adelaide, which starts on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. He is expected to replace Dhruv Jurel in the team that secured a victory over Australia in Perth, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series.

In Perth, India opted for the youthful duo of Sundar and Nitish instead of experienced players Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Pujara feels that this decision should be maintained regarding the bowling lineup.

Both Reddy and Sundar showcased strong performances in the first Test, strengthening their case for continued selection. Reddy scored an important 41 runs in the first innings and followed it with an aggressive unbeaten 38 in the second. He also bowled seven overs, taking his first Test wicket.

Sundar contributed with a steady 29 runs in the second innings and took two crucial wickets with his bowling. Pujara believes these performances justify their retention in the team.

Pujara's Insights on Bowling Strategy

"He [Washington] didn't look really good when he started his bowling, but eventually he got a couple of wickets, he varied his pace, so Washy should be our spinner," Pujara said when speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

"Because he can bat well. The reason he was chosen in this squad is because he can bat. It will be important in the second Test match that, in case we lose a few wickets early, if the lower-middle order needs to contribute, Washington can do that role."

Pace Trio's Impact

The Indian pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana excelled on Perth's pitch. Bumrah led the charge while Siraj and Rana executed plans effectively to secure a memorable win for India against Australia.

Despite debutant Rana facing challenges in his second innings after taking three wickets initially, Pujara does not favour replacing him with R Ashwin, Jadeja, Prasidh Krishna, or Akash Deep.

Pujara's Confidence in Current Bowlers

"In Australia, it's very easy to get carried away, and sometimes when you look at the pace of the pitch, it offers a bit more extra bounce... But he was still looking to hit the right spot, good length, try and hit the top of off, and he has that ability," Pujara said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"This bowling attack has given us success. [Jasprit] Bumrah looked really good. [Mohammed] Siraj was very good. And then it was supported by Harshit. He bowled really well; you have to accept that. He was playing his first game [for India], still he ended up pitching the ball up."

Pujara advocates continuing with this successful bowling combination alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar for future matches.