Pujara returns from injury,eyes Aus tour

The NCA physio has given me an all-clear on my fitness and told me that I can play competitive cricket again. Im looking forward to play the Ranji game against Karnataka to start with, Pujara told The Indian Express from Banglore.

With the senior selection committee likely to pick the squad for Australia on December 10,Pujara will be getting just two first-class games to impress. The middle-order batsman though is hopeful of doing well. The last time I had the same surgery on my left knee and I made a good comeback. Im hopeful I can do it again. Selection is not in my hands but I will be preparing myself keeping the Australia tour in mind. If I can score big in those two games then Ill give myself a good chance of a comeback, the 23-year-old said.

Pujara scored 72 in his debut Test against Australia and later played two Tests against South Africa,where he earned appreciation for his solid technique and ability to keep the Proteas seamers at bay. A good performance in the Ranji games will see him compete for a slot with Virat Kohli,Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina.

Unfortunately this injury happened when India had lined-up to play a lot of Tests and it was very disappointing to sit out. I started on my rehab the day after my surgery and I concentrated hard to make a quick return, he said. When you are out of cricket for so long the hunger is even more to do well. Because I have not played cricket for last four months,I am eager to bat for long.

Opponents have always been wary of Pujara,and his given his fresh hunger for runs,teams should be ready for mammoth score.