Butt, however, warned that it wouldn’t be an easy task for any newcomer coming in Pujara’s place considering England’s bowling attack and the challenging conditions.
Before his failure in the first innings at Lord’s, Pujara registered scores of 8 and 15 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and 4 and 12 not out in the first Test against England in Nottingham. The 33-year-old has struggled with his foot movement, constantly edging balls behind the wicket.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt said that while Pujara’s form is a concern, replacing him might not solve India’s woes. He explained:
Both Pujara and Rahane are India’s top-class players: Salman Butt
Apart from Pujara, India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has also been struggling for runs. He made 49 in the first innings of the WTC final but hasn’t done much of note since. Rahane perished for 1 in the first innings at Lord’s, hanging his bat outside the off stump to Anderson. Elaborating on the middle-order struggles of India’s senior batters, Butt said:
Resuming Day 2 at Lord’s on 276 for 3, India folded up for 364 as Anderson claimed his 31st five-for. In reply, England went to stumps at 119 for 3.
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