India vs England: Can Win If We Bat Well On Day 4, Says Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara added 209 runs for the second wicket with Murali Vijay -- who played the ideal foil, scoring 126. India were 319 for four at stumps on Day 3 of the first Test against England at Rajkot
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: November 11, 2016 07:53 PM IST
Highlights
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Pujara says India can win the 1st Test if they bat well on Day 4
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Cheteshwar Pujara struck an attacking 124 in India's 1st innings
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India ended Day 3 on 319/4, trailing England by 218 runs
Cheteshwar Pujara, far from being disheartened by the loss of quick wickets just before stumps on Day 3, feels India can force a win if they bat well on Day 4 of the first Test against England.
India lost Amit Mishra in the final over to be 319 for four at stumps, still 218 runs behind England.
"The way I started playing shots, I expected that they will be on the defensive mode but when they have 537 runs on board the plan is very simple, first to reach that mark. And obviously we have a bright chance to win the game if we bat well tomorrow," said Pujara, who scored an attacking 124.
"The ball will start turning from tomorrow and batting on day five will be difficult. At the moment I don't want to talk too much about it," said Pujara, who himself along with Murali Vijay were dismissed in the final session.
Pujara based his optimism on his deep knowledge of the SCA Stadium track and at a venue where he has a first class triple hundred to boast of.
"We are still in a good position once we bat well tomorrow and get a lead of 60-70 runs which will help us in the second innings. It's a good wicket to bat on. I saw some spin, saw a couple of balls turn and bounce. We expect it to be more as match progresses, but our first focus will be to bat well tomorrow. And possibly press for win the day after."
Pujara added 209 runs for the second wicket with Vijay who played the ideal foil, scoring 126.
Asked about the chemistry between him and the Tamil Nadu player, with whom he has forged six triple-digit stands including a record 370 against Australia at Hyderabad three years ago, Pujara said they communicate well with each other on and off the field.
"It's the communication, both of us have been playing Test cricket for a long time. Especially me and him - we are playing (only) this format particularly and we have spent a lot time not just on field by talking about this format. Sometimes it's difficult for players playing only this particular format," said Pujara who, like Vijay, has been preferred only for Test matches.
"When you don't play other formats you don't get quality practice and you are not in touch with the game. It's just the communication that keeps us going. We know each other's strengths we know what the opposition tries to do. Most important thing is communicating not only with Vijay but also other players as well," he added.
Pujara admitted he was a nervous wreck before this game at his home town but was determined to get over the butterflies in his stomach.
"It (hundred) means a lot. I have been playing lot of domestic matches at Rajkot here and I have experience of playing in these conditions. I have a triple hundred in one of these first class games. But before the game I had many nervous moments. There were expectations.
"Family members and close friends were watching this game. Even the crowd was expecting (a century) but I told myself I don't have to think about it with the kind of position India was in. We wanted to put up a good total and I wanted to focus on my batting and things turned out well."
Pujara's father and wife were among the crowd, cheering him on to his maiden hundred at his home ground. He, however, was disappointed in not scoring a double hundred.
"To be very honest I was hoping to get a double hundred. They had so many runs on board. I thought it will help the team if I could get a double hundred. I was nervous but I was focusing on scoring more runs."
He conceded that he misjudged a few short balls that hit him on the body and helmet but was determined to carry on.
"I got a couple of good bouncers and I thought I did not judge it well. At international level you expect bouncers. Usually I am very good against the short ball. I told myself even if I get hit on the helmet or the body I will stick to the goal and continue batting I know the conditions really well. A couple of short balls won't disturb me and my game plan."