‘Crucial Innings’: Sachin, Vaughan Laud Pujara’s Ton vs England

Cheteshwar Pujara scored an unbeaten 132 to help India post 273 all-out in the first innings and take a 27-run lead on day 2 of the fourth Test at Rose Bowl Cricket Stadium in Southampton, England, on Friday, 31 August.

Replying to England's 246, India rode on Pujara's brilliantly paced essay which lasted 257 balls and was laced with 16 fours to get past England even after losing wickets in a hurry post lunch.

Along with skipper Virat Kohli (46), Pujara stitched together 92-run third wicket stand to lay the foundation and then joined hands with tailenders Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah for 32-run and 46-run associations, respectively.

India could not be more proud of Pujara’s very first century in England. Twitter is proof!

Determined @cheteshwar1 was a joy to watch. Crucial innings... match wide open... #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/n1unlYpgjl

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 31, 2018

Love the way @cheteshwar1 plays ... !!! He plays Test cricket how it should be played ... #ENGvIND ... Fantastic 💯

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 31, 2018

💯👏

A hard fought CENTURY for @cheteshwar1.

This is his 1st century in England, 5th against England and 15th overall in Tests.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/S1TzJp2iA6

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 31, 2018

Congratulations to @cheteshwar1 for his 15th Test century - his first in England! 💯 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Y8drTiOaU0

— ICC (@ICC) August 31, 2018

There are some innings which give you a very different high. Pujara ‘s innings was one of those innings, will be long remembered. Added 78 with Ishant and Bumrah. India will need to bowl really well now pic.twitter.com/WwCJ6EO7Jp

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 31, 2018

Thanks for keeping the old school Test cricket alive. Well played, Pujara. Well played. 🙌😊🏏👏🇮🇳#engvind

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 31, 2018

An exceptional knock under pressure from Pujara. Feel delighted for him and he has ensured India stay in the game. Really top knock @cheteshwar1

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 31, 2018

Well played @cheteshwar1 . That was one innings of very high caliber and pedigree !! Just the perfect good night's sleep one deserves !! I have always believed in your ability and as an admirer it feels wonderful to see you play gems like these !! #ENGvIND #pujara

— Mikkhail Vaswani (@MikkhailVaswani) August 31, 2018

Modern day cricket pundits and teams have become so caught up in batsmen displaying ‘positive intent and scoring quickly’ but where has that got anyone? Look at the value that Pujara gives this Indian team! I’m afraid such qualities aren’t easy to find anymore #rock #testcricket

— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) August 31, 2018

Any kid thinking I don’t have enough talent to make it, look at Pujara, that’s your role model right there.#Grit

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 31, 2018