New Nottinghamshire signing Cheteshwar Pujara has set his sights on keeping the side at the top of the Specsavers County Championship table when he arrives in May.
The Indian number three averages over 50 in his 48 Test appearances and is targeting more big runs during his red ball stint at Trent Bridge.
“One thing I’d love to do is score a double-hundred in county cricket,” he said.
“I want to score runs, but mostly it’s about the team’s perspective. I want to help make sure we’re on the winning side.
“I want to win as many games as possible so we stay on top of the points table.”
Previous spells with Derbyshire and Yorkshire have given Pujara a taste of the domestic game in England, and the experienced batsmen has been working tirelessly on his game for some time in the hope of another county contract.
“After the last Test series, I took a break for 20 days and have been training since then,” he said.
“When I took the call about playing for Nottinghamshire, I was really happy.
“I love playing county cricket. I enjoy the atmosphere and the kind of cricket they play and I also love the culture.
“My first experience was with Derbyshire, followed by Yorkshire and that will help me.
“The cricket is very professional. Many people follow county cricket and support their home team.”
Pujara’s reputation for scoring big runs and batting for long periods is now renownded across the world. It began, he revealed, at a young age.
“It’s a habit that comes from junior cricket. My first competitive game in the under 14s age group, I scored a triple-hundred.
“After that, whatever matches I’ve played, I’ve always aimed to score big. It’s a habit I’ve created. I like to score double hundreds.”
Pujara, whose availability has been confirmed for four Specsavers County Championship matches in May and June, has visited Trent Bridge on two previous occasions.
Now he’s looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere as a Nottinghamshire cricketer.
“I’ve played one Test at Trent Bridge and one county game as well. It’s a great venue,” he said.
“It’s a true wicket where, if you apply yourself as a batsman you can score runs, but there’s also some help for the bowlers.
“I’m really looking forward to my first experience there as a home player.”
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