However, Pujara, who added 149 runs for the fifth wicket with Shreyas Iyer (82 at bat) before India lost the reliable No. 3, doesn’t regret missing the ton and would happily take his 90-point shot on tough ground that he believes will get worse over time.
Versatile Axar Patel fell on the last ball of the opening day as India finished the day 278 for 6.
“It’s not an easy ground to beat, so I’m really happy with the way I hit today. Sometimes more than three figures, you’re trying to put the team in a winning situation,” said Pujara told the post-match media. interaction.
Pujara, who hasn’t scored in a century for almost four years, has probably looked the most assured against any bowling attack lately.
“I’m really happy today and I don’t care if I don’t get three figures. I hit well and if I keep it up it will come soon,” added Pujara, who is only a month and a half away from his 35th birthday.
Pujara believes the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium track is result oriented with spinners that will play a big role in the end result.
“Looks like there will be a result and we need runs on board. My partnership with Shreyas was important and also with Rishabh as there was a time when we lost three wickets,” Pujara said.
Although he admitted he may not have had too many runs, a total of 350 first innings could prove decisive.
“If we had finished the day with 4 or even 5 wickets things would have been better. I still think if we get 350 in the first innings it will be a good score on this track because there is a turn (offered) and we have three spinners.
“Even when fast bowlers are bowling, the intruder stays low. It will continue to get worse over time,” Pujara said, giving his take on the track.
The biggest challenge as the terrain progresses will be variable bounce.
“There was variable bounce and the odd ball stayed low even with the second new ball. It’s easy once the ball gets old because bowlers also get tired. They can’t keep bowling in the same areas any longer .
“We all know in the case of kookaburra, the first 30 overs are important. Once you’ve gone through this phase, it’s a little easier still. But you still have to concentrate hard,” he added.
The concern for batters will be the odd ball spinning sharply.
“It’s not like every delivery spins. One ball per spin spins and it’s even more dangerous. That weird ball going backwards or away will make you go forward or bowl. You can’t relax on this track,” Pujara concluded.
(With PTI entries)
