Test call-up dream-come-true moment for Pujara

Chandigarh:

Delighted to get his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team, Saurashtra batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Monday said the selection for the two-match series against Australia did not come as a surprise to him but it was a dream-come-true moment of his career.

"It's a dream-come-true for any cricketer. I was hoping for the call after my recent performances. I am really happy at my selection," said Pujara, who is currently playing in a tournament here.

Pujara made his way into the Indian Test squad in place of out-of-form Yuvraj Singh, who was today dropped from the two-Test series starting October 1 in Mohali because of his poor form and fitness.

Pujara, who was the lone new face in the team announced by the Cricket Board selection committee in Chennai, said making debut against Australia would a great challenge for him.

"It's going to be a challenge. They (Australia) have been the world's best team for years. I will try to deliver my best," he said.

Pujara has been a prolific run-getter in the domestic circuit and also for India 'A' in the last couple of seasons.

"I owe it to my parents and want to thank them, especially my father, who is my coach too," he said.

The right-hander said that he would like to fine-tune his skills and learn more tricks of the game from his seniors in the national team during the Australia series.

"I will try to deliver my best and perform according to the best of my ability and to my team's requirement," Pujara said.

Australia is scheduled to play a three-day practice match against the Board President's XI at Sector 16 cricket stadium here followed by the opening Test to be played at Mohali from October 1.