Chennai, Feb 13 (UNI) Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Saturday said that it was a good first day for Team India in the second Test against England, adding that anything above 350 in the first innings on spin-friendly Chepauk track will be a challenging task for the visitors.
India were 300 for six at stumps on the opening day, with Rishab Pant (33, 56 balls, 5x4, 1x6) and debutant Axar Patel (five, 7 balls 1x4|) unbeaten at the crease.
Rahane said that with Pant and Axar still at the crease, India have a good chance of getting some important runs on Sunday and putting it in a commanding position.
'Another 50-60 runs from here will be good for us, Rishabh is still there. One more partnership from Rishabh and Axar...we're in the game,' he said, after the end of the day's play.
Rahane played a good 67-run knock, while Rohit shone with brilliant 161. The two added 162 runs for the fourth wicket to take India to a comfortable position.
'We knew that it was going to turn from day one, obviously (it was) good to win the toss. Rohit said it was important to be positive on this wicket...I wanted to be positive, back myself on this wicket. The key was to use good footwork,' the Indian vice-captain said.
'We had the strategy (on the sweep), we did discuss the game plan on this, and wanted to make them bowl to our strengths, good that the plans came off. I thought the first 20-30 balls were important. Then, you get an idea on the pace and the bounce, you're never in on this wicket, so it was important to be positive,' he added.
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