Rajkot: While India lost a wicket too many just before the end of day’s play in Rajkot on Friday, they made sure to score heavily and avoid the follow-on; courtesy hundreds from Cheteshwar Pujara (124) and Murali Vijay (126).
The local lad, Pujara, was at his fluent best after being stuck on his helmet a couple of times in the beginning. Pujara said scoring an international ton at home as the venue hosted its first ever Test match was special.
“It meant a lot, I just wanted to play to my potential, rather than think about the home crowd,” Pujara told BCCI.tv.
While India’s number three said that England bowled well, he also stated that he backed himself all the way.
“They (England bowlers) bowled good lines, when the ball started reversing it was tough. I knew that if I stayed there I would get loose balls. Sometimes you have to respect the bowlers in international cricket,” Pujara, who scored his second consecutive ton in the longer format of the game, said.
Although the Virat Kohli-led side is still trailing by 218 runs, Pujara felt India still have a chance to win the game.
“I'm expecting it to turn from day four and five. Hopefully we can get a lead and then you never know, we have a chance," concluded Pujara.
