However, Pujara, who added 149 runs for the fifth wicket with Shreyas Iyer (82 batting) earlier than India misplaced the reliable No. 3, does not remorse about lacking the ton and would fortunately take his 90-run knock on a tricky pitch which he says will worsen with the time.
All-rounder Axar Patel fell on the final ball of the opening day as India ended the day on 278 for six.
“It is not an easy pitch to bat on so I am really happy with the way I batted today. Sometimes more than three figures, you look at trying to put the team in a winning situation,” Pujara stated on the post-match media interplay.
Pujara, who hasn’t scored a century for almost 4 years, has in all probability seemed probably the most assured towards any bowling assault in latest occasions.
“I am really happy today and not bothered about not getting a three-figure mark. I have been batting well and if I carry on like this, it will come soon,” added Pujara, who’s only a month and half shy of his thirty fifth birthday.
Pujara feels the monitor on the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium is a result-oriented one with spinners set to play an enormous function within the ultimate final 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 had lost three wickets,” Pujara stated.
While he admitted that he won’t have gotten too many runs however a primary innings whole of 350 might show to be decisive.
“If we would have ended the day at 4 or even 5 wickets, things would have been better. I still feel if we get 350 in the first innings, it will be a good score on this track as there is turn (on offer) and we have three spinners.
“Even when quick bowlers are bowling, the odd one is staying low. It will maintain getting worse as time progresses,” Pujara said, providing his take on the track.
The biggest challenge as the pitch wears on will be the variable bounce.
“There was variable bounce and the odd ball was retaining low even with the second new ball. It is simple as soon as the ball will get older as bowlers additionally get drained. They cannot maintain bowling the identical areas for an extended time.
“We all know in the case of Kookaburra, the first 30 overs are important. Once you get through that phase, it is still slightly easier. But still you need to concentrate hard,” he added.
The fear for batters would be the odd ball that’s turning sharply.
“It is not like all deliveries are turning. One ball per over is turning and that is even more dangerous. That odd ball that will turn back or away will get you leg before or bowled. You can’t relax on this track,” Pujara concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)