Bumrah is nightmare to face but Pujara's runs made vital difference: Hodge

Former Australia cricketer Brad Hodge called Jasprit Bumrah "a nightmare to face" in an enormous compliment but picked Cheteshwar Pujara's runs at number three as the vital difference between the two sides.

The final Test starts here on January 3, with India leading the four-match series 2-1.

"Pujara has been the difference between the two sides. Both bowling units have looked strong. Barring the first session in Perth (where Australia scored 112-0), and Mayank Agarwal in Melbourne, all four openers have struggled," Hodge told PTI.

"So, the number three position where Pujara has dominated, has been of importance. Not only has he not lost his wicket cheaply, but he has also taken time out of the game."
"He has not been playing T20 cricket, and instead went to play for Yorkshire. He does the hard work and is getting rewards."
"The Indian attack has looked strong ever since they have arrived here. They have performed and backed up their captain well. Bumrah and Ishant Sharma, in particular, have looked in shape."
"We have high expectations, a rich history, and we had some serious players in the past (David Warner and Steve Smith). But we are also up against a very good team."
"We have not had a century from an Australian batsman in three Tests, which is unheard of in a home series. The wickets are good, and there is no reason why we shouldn't see that."