Cheteshwar Pujara, the former India number three, has been awarded honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owner of Lord's Cricket Ground. Despite his standout performances in Australia, Pujara says England feels like a second home due to his extensive county cricket experience.
MCC Honour a Proud Moment
“I’ve played a lot of county cricket in the UK. So when you end up playing a lot of cricket over there, you feel like you’re at home. And for me, it’s a great pleasure and privilege to be part of the MCC,” the 38-year-old told PTI. “Getting this honorary membership, it means a lot. As a cricketer, when you have worked hard throughout your career and when that effort is recognised, you feel proud about your achievements as a cricketer.”
Memories at Lord's
Pujara played three Tests at Lord's, with India winning two. Although he never scored a hundred at the iconic venue for India, he fondly recalls a double hundred for Sussex there. “So I’ve got some fond memories of being at Lord’s, playing cricket, also watching cricket there,” he said. He first visited Lord's in 2011 after an ACL reconstruction surgery in London. “When you walk into that ground, it has a different aura, different vibe. And now when you become a lifetime member at MCC, so you have this privilege of going there and watching cricket.”
Challenges of Batting at Lord's
Pujara highlighted the unique challenges of batting at Lord's. “Firstly, it’s a pitch where you have to settle in. You have to spend enough time as a batter on the crease and then start playing your shots. With the slope around, if you are not very familiar with the slope, you struggle to take the stance early on. You have to make a few adjustments in your stance as a batter. But once you get used to it, it’s a phenomenal pitch to bat on.” He added, “Overall, if I could change something in my cricketing journey, I think scoring a 100 at Lord’s would have been a great achievement.”
Australia vs England Conditions
Pujara, who has played 103 Tests, acknowledged his phenomenal record in Australia but noted the greater challenge in England. “When it comes to international cricket, yes, my record in Australia has been phenomenal. And I enjoy batting over there. Because Australia, I would say is slightly easier to bat on once you have your eye in. In England, it has always been challenging.” He particularly cherishes battles with James Anderson and Stuart Broad. “Of all the bowlers he has faced in England, Pujara said he cherishes his battles with James Anderson and Stuart Broad the most.”
