Cheteshwar Pujara justifies 'emerging player' tag with sixth Test ton

Cheteshwar Pujara backed up good bowling performances from Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma - four wickets apiece - with a confident century against South Africa in the final session of play on Day three of the opening Test at Johannesburg. (Scorecard)

Pujara continued from where he left in the home series against the West Indies and displayed his prowess and penchant for big knocks. (Highlights)

Pujara, who was recently named the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the year 2013, justified the title and tormented the South African pace attack that clearly missed Morne Morkel - injured while fielding. After patiently reaching his half century off 127 balls, he gained momentum and scored the next 50 in just 41 deliveries to reach his ton in 168 balls. (South Africa vs India, 3rd Day in pics)

Having missed out on an opportunity to build on a good start in the first innings due to a run out, Pujara did well to seize his second chance to help strengthen India's grip on the game.

India finished third day of the first Test on 284 for two, leading South Africa by 320 runs. Pujara was unbeaten on 135 off 221 deliveries, an innings laced with 18 boundaries. This knock also took Pujara's Test average to over 66, only second to Australia's Sir Donald Bradman. (Pujara scores first ton on foreign soil)