Ricky Ponting slams Cheteshwar Pujara's slow batting approach, terms it 'lacklustre'

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting highlighted that slow approach of Indian batsmen on day three of Pink Test turned tables in favour of hosts at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. 

However, three-time World Cup winner was disappointed with slow approach of Team India's batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara after he had walked back to pavilion right after registering his slowest Test half-century. 

'Lacklustre batting': Ricky Ponting

"I think (Pujara) has got to be better than that. He's 16 off his first 100 balls with boundaries. That is - and I don't care who you are - if you're at or end and someone is batting like that, so much more pressure comes back on you," cricket.com.au quoted Ponting as saying.

"If you're going to play that way and bat that long, he's got to back himself to make sure he gets 100, 150 at least," Ponting added.

"To bat like he did today, finally get a great ball from (fast bowler Pat) Cummins, although he got 50, he just hadn't hurt Australians at all. In fact, batting like he did actually kept Australia in game. Although Pujara got 50 that he got, he's as guilty as anyone for slack, lacklustre batting," Ponting, who had led Australia to back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2003 & 2007 editions furr added.

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Can Pujara make an impact in second innings?

Aussies in ir second innings are 103/2 with two of ir famed top-order batsmen Steve Smith (29*) and Marnus Labuschagne (47*) going strong. hosts w have a lead of 197 runs after end of play on Day 3.

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visitors will w be hoping to restrict Australia to a manable total on Day 4 as SCG Test reaches its business end.

Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara will be hoping to play an impactful kck during India's run-chase and make amends for his 176-ball 50 in first innings. 

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(With ANI Inputs)