Cummins' Delivery Was Unplayable, Couldn't Have Done Anything Better: Pujara

India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara termed Pat Cummins's delivery that got him out as one of the best balls of the series and one that could have dismissed any other batsman. Pujara grinded his way to

The India No. 3 said that Pant's dismissal impacted the Indian innings as until then they were in a comfortable position.

"I thought losing Rishabh Pant was the moment that turned it around. We were in a comfortable position till then. We were 180-odd for four and doing well. Things turned around when Rishabh got out and then I got out. Our aim was to get close to 330-340. Yes, we missed out somewhere there. Losing Ajinkya Rahane earlier in the first session was a big blow but we recovered from there and there was a good partnership with Rishabh," added Pujara.

Asked if Pant's dismissal affected him since he followed soon after, in the very next over, Pujara said, "I don't think losing Pant affected me but yes, when he was around I was more comfortable and we were building a partnership. I can't say that because Rishabh got hit and got out, I lost my concentration. I had all my concentration. It was a good ball."

Pujara, who was hurt on his right hand in the lead-up to the third Test during a nets session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 2, said the blow is still hurting but not as much as to affect his batting.

"I don't think it is putting any trouble in my batting. It is not easy. I wouldn't say that it is completely normal but this was expected. If there is a bit of pain, I can still manage it to play this game, because it is an important game. I couldn't have missed out."