Amidst all the criticism surrounding the matter of scoring at a low pace in Test cricket, today, the Indian number 3 batsman Cheteshwar Pujara set aside all the criticism and said “What the message was given was to play with intent. When it comes to Test cricket we don’t need to focus much on strike rate but on positive intent. On such wickets, you can’t keep on scoring runs and have a strike rate of more than 70 or 80. You have to bat as per the situations. You have to know what the team requires,”
On day 1 of the final Test match, after winning the toss team India decided to bat. The first four overs went quite well before Kane Williamson introduced spin in the fifth over of the day. Jeetan Patel produced a wicket immediately as Murali Vijay, who was looking to take an easy single by playing it square of the wicket could not connect it well and an edge was enough for short leg to pouch the ball after some fumbles. Cheteshwar Pujara, who came in at number 3 stitched small partnerships with Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli before being bowled over by Mitchell Santner.
Once again it looked like team India batting line-up has faced a slump but Captain and Vice-captain came to the rescue and batted till the end of the day ensuring team India is in a safe position.
“Virat and Ajinkya batted really well. Virat played a very good innings and got the first century (from either side) in the series and Ajinkya too batted well. Their partnership (unconquered 167 for the fourth wicket) was crucial and if the partnership carries on tomorrow it will be good for us,”
Kohli and Rahane propelled the team’s total from 100 to 278 and ensured a wicketless last session of the day.
“Century was not made, but good scores were made and the top order is getting runs. We were aware that one batsman from the top six must get 100 and we got it on Saturday. It’s a landmark, but once we get 50 plus it’s still a good score,
“We will try to bats as long as possible. The kind of position we are in, we will look to get 400 and if don’t lose quick wickets tomorrow and continue like we are doing, we will keep batting. We hope for a big total and when our spinners bowl we expect some more help from the wicket,” said Pujara while showering praises on Indian batsmen.
“It was the first day, but still there was some turn, not much, but as the match progresses or from the third day the turn will be more. Their left armer is creating rough and there will be more help for the off spinners. One or two balls from left arm spinner (Mitchell Santner) also spun and hopefully on days 2 and 3 there will be some help,” Pujara concluded.