In the past few years, India have improved their fielding by leaps and bounds and this has helped them turn many matches in their favour. And though Pujara is known for his tremendous batting abilities, his effort on the third day of the Colombo Test proves that he can hold his own in the field too.
The incident took place in the 34th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when Angelo Mathews, who was batting on 26, attempted a leg-flick off Ashwin. The ball pitched on the middle and off stump and the Sri Lankan all-rounder tried to play it down towards leg slip. In response, Pujara wasted no time as he bent to his left side and took a one-handed stunner, with the ball just inches above the ground to send Mathews packing.
Though the on-field umpires were more or less convinced about the legality of the catch, they sent the incident to the third umpire for referral, just to make sure of the final decision. And eventually, the decision went in India’s favour as Mathews was told to make the long walk back to the pavilion.
While Mathews was surprised at the final decision, on the other hand, India celebrated Pujara’s effort, even as their No.3 batsman himself couldn't believe what he had just pulled off.
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