‘Try and reduce…’: Ahead of Boxing Day Test, Cheteshwar Pujara gives big advice to Indian team

India are all set to take on Australia in the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test on Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This will be the fourth Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar series, currently level at 1-1. India won the opening match by a total of 295 runs in Perth, but the hosts bounced back in style in the second match and won by 10 wickets. However, the third match ended in a draw, due to rain in Brisbane. Both teams are now eager to take a crucial lead in the series.

Ahead of the fourth Test, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara suggested that Rohit Sharma and his colleagues should go for an extra pacer, to strengthen the bowling attack.

“I think the bowling line-up is something that India needs to work on. I think (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj and Akash Deep are doing a good job. (Ravindra) Jadeja and Nitish (Reddy) have both contributed well with the bat,” Pujara said while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

“But we are missing a bowler and India will have to add another one if possible and maybe try to reduce a batter. I don’t know. I can’t find the right 11 at the moment because I don’t “I don’t see much change before the next test match,” he said. added.

When it comes to Indian bowling, Bumrah has been a standout performer for the visitors, taking 21 wickets in three matches. This includes five-wicket carries and four-wicket carries.

Mohammed Siraj was also a good performer with 13 wickets in three matches. However, youngster Harshit Rana failed to live up to expectations as he took only four wickets in two matches.

On the other hand, Akash Deep got only one match, where he scalped three wickets. It is highly likely that he will retain his place in the fourth Test. All-rounder Nitish Reddy impressed everyone with the bat, but took only three wickets in as many matches.