India vs England 2021: “Another 50-60 runs will be good” – Ajinkya Rahane opens up on Chennai surface on day 1

India vs England 2021: “Another 50-60 runs will be good” – Ajinkya Rahane opens up on Chennai surface on day 1
Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane

India finished day 1 on a position of strength riding on Rohit Sharma‘s 161 and a terrific stand that he shared with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. Both batsmen had come under fire after their performance in the first Test where they had faltered in both innings. However, on a spinning track that had uneven bounce on as early as day 1, their class came to the fore as they displayed exemplary skill to score runs.

India are now on 300/6 with both batters having gotten out. With Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel at the crease as the last recognized batting pair, the hosts would look to reach a minimum of 350 while 400 would be a perfect score. Ajinkya Rahane addressed the same as well as the surface and his knock following day 1’s play.

‘The key was to use good footwork’ – Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane spoke to the broadcasters after the end of day 1 and recapped the same saying, “We knew that it was going to turn from Day one, obviously good to win the toss. The partnerships were vital – Rohit and Pujara got one, so did Rohit and myself. Rohit said it was important to be positive on this wicket. What happened in the first Test was past, I wanted to be positive, back myself on this wicket. The key was to use good footwork.”

He then talked about how they employed the sweep shot against the spinners and other plans that they had. “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.”

Speaking finally about the job at hand for tomorrow, he said, “Another 50-60 runs from here will be good, Rishabh is still there, another partnership or two will be good. It was difficult when they were bowling quicker through the pace, varying the pace id crucial on this surface.”

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