Pujara Reveals Nerves Before Ringing Lord's Bell; India Aims for Test Control

Cheteshwar Pujara, the veteran Indian batter, commenced Day 3 of the Lord's Test by participating in the esteemed tradition of ringing the bell. He confessed to experiencing pre-ceremony jitters due to the considerable attention the act attracts. Pujara followed in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar, who inaugurated Day 1 of the third Test with the same honor – marking the first instance of the Indian legend receiving this privilege.

Cheteshwar Pujara at Lord's before ringing the bell.

"I was a little nervous ringing the bell this morning because everyone is looking at you and you don't want to mess up," Pujara told BBC Test Match Special, highlighting the pressure associated with the tradition.

The custom of ringing the five-minute bell, situated outside the bowlers' bar at Lord's, dates back to 2007. Over the years, it has been performed by a pantheon of cricketing greats, including Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid.

The third Test of the five-match Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy series remains delicately poised. After England posted a total of 387, propelled by Joe Root's century, India's aspirations hinge on the performances of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who resumed their innings on Day 3.

Pujara emphasized the critical nature of the morning session, stating, "This session will determine how the game will progress. If England can pick up wickets, then they will be ahead in the game. If India doesn't lose wickets and go into lunch with more runs on the board, then they will be in charge."

He also commented on Rishabh Pant's resilience after the wicketkeeper sustained a finger injury, which briefly led to Dhruv Jurel taking over his duties.

"You are in the moment, you do feel the pain, but when you are out there in the middle, you do want to do something for your country. Even if there is any pain, you try to focus on batting and mentally prepare yourself that you will get hit on your body. If you focus on the pain, you can't focus on what you have to do," Pujara elaborated, underscoring the commitment and mental fortitude required to perform at the highest level, even when facing physical discomfort.