Cheteshwar Pujara hits hundred as Sussex captain against Middlesex at Lord's Cricket Ground

Cheteshwar Pujara, who was leading Sussex against Middlesex, hit his 5th hundred of the ongoing county season on Tuesday, July 19 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.

Cheteshwar Pujara continued his dream run for Sussex in County Championships Division Two, this time leading the team from the front against Middlesex on Day 1 of their match against Middlesex at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

Pujara hit his fifth hundred of the ongoing county season for Sussex, taking his tally past 100 on Day 1 at the iconic venue. The veteran India batter kept the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace as Sussex dominated the Middlesex bowling attack. Pujara hit 9 boundaries and a six as Sussex went past 300 in the final session on the opening day of the 38th match.

Notably, Pujara was captaining Sussex after he was named as the interim skipper for their match against Middlesex. Pujara's appointment as skipper came after regular captain Tom Haines was ruled out of action for up to six weeks with a broken bone in his hand whilst batting against Leicestershire earlier this month.

Pujara remained unbeaten on 115 as Sussex reached Stumps at 328 for 4 on Tuesday at Lord's.

A century at Lord's for @cheteshwar1 #LoveLords https://t.co/lwUbqV0Haj

"Puj was very keen to step up in the absence of Tom, he sees the potential in this side and has been a natural leader ever since he joined," Sussex coach Ian Salisbury said ahead of the match.

Notably, it was a face-off between Pujara and his India teammate Umesh Yadav, who joined Middlesex after the rescheduled 5th Test against England. Umesh went wicketless on Day 1 despite bowling 18 overs.