Sledge shy, Pujara is not

VIRAT Kohli’s sledge protege Cheteshwar Pujara says India won’t change their aggressive mindset or panic over persistent bowling woes that have contributed to them not winning a Test series in Australia.

Pujara, 30, learnt the “tricks of sledging” from skipper Kohli and continually baited David Warner on Australia’s Test tour of the subcontinent last year. India won’t go looking for on-field conflict this time, but won’t shy away from it either.

“I can’t say what happens when we start off playing the first Test but one thing we are assured of is playing competitive cricket,” Pujara said.

“If it happens, it happens, but we are not very much focused on it. We want to win the Test and series.”

The Cricket Australia XI kept India in the field for 151 overs in amassing 544 at the SCG last week when South Australian keeper-batsman Harry Nielsen hit a century.

Indian players were given the option to rest yesterday but Pujara reconciled they “got enough practice” in Sydney.

Spearhead Ishant Sharma averages 62 in 10 Tests in Australia and took 1-73 in Sydney, while Ravi Ashwin’s Test bowling average of 54 in Australia showed no signs of abat- ing when he returned 2-122 from 40 overs.

“Conceding 500 runs doesn’t mean anything,” Pujara said.

“The bowlers know what they have to do. Most of our bowlers played here in 2015 and are very confident.

“When it comes to our fastbowling attack this is one of the best we have had for many years.”

Off-spinner Ashwin, who has 336 Test wickets at 25 but took just 12 at 48 here four years ago, fronted up for an optional net session with coach Ravi Shastri in Adelaide yesterday.

Pujara believes the lessons Ashwin learnt during the 2014-15 tour to Australia and the changes he made while working with English County side Worcestershire, when he bowled with a higher action and more dip, would help.

“He is a clever bowler, reads the batsman well and if you see his recent bowling he has made a lot of adjustments,” he said.

“He has played a lot of cricket in England and played here in 2014-15, knows what to do. He is very confident now.”

No. 3 batsman Pujara is noted for his powers of concentration and putting a premium on his wicket for a Test average of 49.5.