Mumbai: Glovesman Parthiv Patel stated here after the end of the day’s play, in the fourth India-England Test that it was the hosts who were in a strong position even though the visitors had put up 400 runs in the first innings.
“The way we are batting, if we bat through the entire third day, it will be England who will be under pressure,” Parthiv told reporters. “The way our tail-enders have been batting we have the potential to bat long and put up a good score also,” he added.
The pint-sized Gujarat keeper also pointed out that Indian spinners were far better in comparison to their England counterparts. “More than the surface, the quality of (our) bowlers is far better, our bowlers definitely have more revolution on the ball than what their spinners are doing and obviously we vary pace very well,” pointed out Parthiv.
Parthiv heaped praise on Vijay, his opening partner in the last game at Mohali, and termed him a ‘quality player’.
“He played brilliantly. We had a couple of net sessions and he looked really good. It is just about his mindset. He may have got out a couple of times to short-pitched deliveries, but he remained positive. He knew that a good knock was just round the corner,” informed Parthiv.
Meanwhile Jos Buttler asserted that India still have a lot of catching up to do as England have scored 400 runs in the first innings. “They are still 250-255 runs short. On this pitch anything can happen. A couple of early wickets Saturday, can change the game in our favour,” pointed out Buttler.
“It’s still a good wicket for batting though. It is more or less consistent with only one or two odd deliveries. If you put that out of your mind and play, it’s still good to bat on,” added Buttler.
Buttler also said that he was pleased with his knock. “The knock was against quality bowlers in their conditions. I felt the team needed runs and I got them. So definitely pleased with my effort,” he added.
Press Trust of India
