Sussex names Pujara captain ahead of crucial clash against Middlesex

Sussex County Cricket Club has named the veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara their interim captain in the absence of the regular skipper Tom Haines. 

Tom Haines Injury 

Notably, Haines broke a bone in his hand during Sussex's game against Leicestershire last week. 

This unfortunate injury ruled the opener out of action for a minimum of five to six weeks, prompting the Hove-based club to declare Pujara as the stand-in captain.  

Sussex head coach expects Pujara to be a fantastic captain

In his reaction, Sussex's head coach Ian Salisbury revealed that Pujara has been a natural leader since joining the team. Terming Pujara a 'vastly experienced' player, Salisbury expected the 34-year-old to emerge as a fantastic captain for the side. 

"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," Salisbury said.

"Puj is a vastly experienced and quality person who I know will do a fantastic job," he added. 

After Haines got injured, Steven Finn led Sussex to perfection in the rest of the match against Leicestershire. 

Although Salisbury praised Finn's leadership in the last game, he opined that the club preferred Pujara over the veteran seamer as the stand-in captain to let him concentrate only on his bowling. 

"Finny did a brilliant job for us after Tom was injured and will remain the senior figure among our bowlers," Salisbury said. 

"By having a batter take up the role, it means Finn can focus on leading our attack," he concluded. 

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