County Championship: Pujara slams 200, Sundar, Saini bag fifers on debut

County Championship: Cheteshwar Pujara scored a record-breaking double century for Sussex while Washington Sundar and Navdeep Saini picked up five-wicket hauls in a productive day for Indians in the ongoing County Championship. Pujara slammed his 16th red-ball double century to be way ahead among active cricketers in yet another special performance against Middlesex at Lord’s. Follow County Championship LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN

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County Championship: Cheteshwar Pujara slams RECORD double century, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini bag fifers on debut as Indians make merry – Check out

Indian veteran Cheteshwar Pujara smashed his fifth century of the County Championship in a record breaking innings but the Sussex star at Lord’s against Middlesex. Pujara has made it a habit of scoring daddy hundreds this season, with Wednesday’s effort being his third double ton since signing for Sussex earlier this year. The 34-year-old holds an average of holds an average of 138.00 this season and eventually manage 231.

He also became the first Indian batsman to score a double century against Middlesex, and his 16th double hundred put him in an elite list. Only five players have scored more 200+ scores in first class cricket than Cheteshwar Pujara. The Indian veteran averages 200 in every 25 innings in first class cricket, only behind the legendary Don Bradman, who took nine innings per double century.

A batting masterclass at Lord’s. 🌟

Superb, @cheteshwar1. 👏

2⃣0⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/IQ0e3G25WD

— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) July 20, 2022

Most double centuries in first class cricket

37	DG Bradman	1928/29-1947/48
36	WR Hammond	1925-1946/47
22	EH Hendren	1919-1936
17	H Sutcliffe	1922-1939
17	MR Ramprakash	1992-2010
16	CB Fry	1900-1912
16	JB Hobbs	1909-1933
16	GA Hick	1985-2004
16*	CA Pujara	2008/09-2022

County Championship: Cheteshwar Pujara slams RECORD double century, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini bag fifers on debut as Indians make merry – Check out

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar also starred on his county debut picking up a five wicket haul for Lancashire. Returning from injury, the Indian all-rounder made good use of the conditions on offer to make his mark. Northamptonshire batting first were bowled out for just 235, with Sundar bagging 5/76 in his first County game. With the bat however, the 22-year-old could not make much impact departing for just two runs. He will nonetheless be key as Lancshire look to find their footing in the contest.

.@Sundarwashi5 takes the County Championship by 5torm! 🧡#OrangeArmy pic.twitter.com/3wxRjpm8us

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) July 20, 2022

Another Indian bowler Navdeep Saini also took five wickets on his County Championship debut. Featuring for Kent, Saini picked up 5/72 in a stunning spell of bowling. The Indian right arm quick struck early to dismiss Chris Benjamin before cleaning up the tail with some great accuracy to help Kent restrict Warwickshire’s lead.

.@navdeepsaini96, aate hi kaam shuru kar diye! 🫶

A five-for on debut for Kent. 👏pic.twitter.com/Om3lA2KQeq

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) July 20, 2022