Fourth highest ranking batsman in world makes home debut for Notts

Video: Cheteshwar Pujara speaking before making his home debut

The fourth highest ranking Test match batsman in the world is making his home debut at Trent Bridge for Nottinghamshire.

29-year-old Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara made his debut for the Outlaws away at Glamorgan but only scored two runs in Notts only innings of the match.

Nottinghamshire made Glamorgan follow-on after batting first but the home side dug in to record a draw, the only County Championship match out of five so far Notts have not won.

The Outlaws are hosting Gloucestershire at Trent Bridge over the next four days which sees Pujara taking to the crease as a home player for the first time.

Pujara is replacing Australian fast bowler James Pattinson for four matches while he is away on Champion’s Trophy duty for his country.

Speaking just before making his home debut, Pujara said: “I’m having a good time here – I’ve played at Trent Bridge before in a Test match and for Yorkshire and I love playing here.

“Nottinghamshire is a really good club with a good bunch of players with international experience.

“I’ve spoken to Samit Patel and Stuart Broad a lot about playing Test matches in India and over here and I’m really enjoying the positive atmosphere.”

Pujara recalled his first experience of playing at Trent Bridge with his national team.

He said: “When I played my first Test match with the Indian team here, we didn’t expect the pitch to be on the slow side at the time and that’s an experience I’ll always remember.

“Apart from that, it’s a good Test venue and I know that all Indian cricketers enjoy having the chance to play here.”