Is Cheteshwar Pujara Nervous About Ringing the Bell on Day 3 at Lord's?
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Synopsis
Cheteshwar Pujara's ringing of the bell on Day 3 at Lord's brought a mix of nerves and excitement. Following in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar, Pujara highlights the pressure of tradition while the match remains tantalizingly poised. With India needing to capitalize on their innings, every moment counts. Will they seize control?
Key Takeaways
- Cheteshwar Pujara faced nerves while ringing the bell at Lord's.
- The bell-ringing tradition began in 2007.
- Sachin Tendulkar was the first to ring the bell in this series.
- The match is finely poised after England's 387 all out.
- Pujara emphasized the importance of the morning session for the match's outcome.
London, July 12 (NationPress) Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara kicked off Day 3 of the Lord's Test by ringing the iconic bell, acknowledging that he experienced a wave of nerves due to the significant attention directed towards him during this traditional act. Pujara followed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had the honor of ringing the bell on Day 1 of the third Test, marking it as his first opportunity to do so.
“I felt a bit anxious ringing the bell this morning because all eyes are on you, and you certainly don't want to make a mistake,” Pujara shared with BBC Test Match Special.
The tradition of ringing the bell outside the bowlers' bar at Lord's began in 2007 and has been a privilege for many illustrious Indian cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid.
The ongoing third Test of the five-match Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy series is finely balanced for an exciting finish. After England scored 387 all out, led by a stunning century from Joe Root, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are essential for India's success on Day 3.
Pujara emphasized the significance of the morning session, noting its potential impact on the game's direction for the next two days. “This session will shape the game's trajectory. If England manages to take wickets, they'll gain the upper hand. Conversely, if India can maintain their wickets and head into lunch with additional runs, they will take control,” he explained.
The seasoned Indian batter also discussed the mindset of India’s vice-captain following Pant's finger injury, which led to Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper. The left-handed batsman is making strides while employing a diverse range of shots against the English bowlers.
“You feel the pain in the moment, but when you're on the field, representing your country, you strive to make a difference. Even if there’s discomfort, your focus remains on batting, mentally preparing for the hits. Concentrating on pain can distract from the task at hand,” he stated.
Point of View
I observe that Cheteshwar Pujara’s experience at Lord's showcases the weight of cricketing traditions that resonate deeply with fans and players alike. His admission of nerves highlights the emotional investment in such moments. The ongoing Test series remains a thrilling contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of both teams. NationPress stands firmly with the narrative of sportsmanship and excellence.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of ringing the bell at Lord's?
Ringing the bell at Lord's is a cherished tradition in cricket, initiated in 2007, symbolizing the start of the day’s play. It has been performed by many cricket legends, adding to its grandeur.
Who else has rung the bell at Lord's?
Apart from Cheteshwar Pujara, notable cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid have also had the honor of ringing the bell.
How did England perform in the third Test?
In the third Test, England scored 387 all out, largely due to a remarkable century from Joe Root, setting up an exciting contest against India.
What impact does the morning session have on the game?
The morning session is crucial as it can set the tone for the remainder of the match. Wickets can shift momentum, impacting the strategies of both teams.
What challenges did Rishabh Pant face during the match?
Rishabh Pant suffered a finger injury while keeping, necessitating the substitution of Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper, which posed a challenge for the Indian team.
