Jamaica, June 21: Middle-order batsman Suresh Raina rescued the Indian innings, floundering at six wickets for 85 runs, on the first day of the first Test match at Sabina Park. He, along with Harbhajan Singh (70 runs), added 146 runs – a vital partnership that took India to a first innings score of 246 runs. The southpaw played patiently for his 82 runs before being sent back by Ravi Rampaul.
Before the start of the second day’s play, Raina spoke to the media about his knock and the prospects and plans of the Indian team.
Excerpts from the conversation:
On his innings and missing out on a century on the first day of the first Test
It’s nice; god has been really kind. [I] spent quality time at the wicket. When you are playing Test cricket, you have to be patient and you have to judge the line because […] they were bowling in good areas. I was thinking, “Hang in there, look to be calm, no need to be in a hurry.” I’m glad I got good, important runs for my team.
On whether he and Harbhajan Singh had deliberately decided to go after Devendra Bishoo
No, not really. Harbhajan told me, “Look to [play] your game. No need to be in a hurry, you have been batting well. Make sure you spend quality time at the wicket.” And Harbhajan was looking very positive. He was hitting fours and boundaries especially off [Devendra] Bishoo; he got a six also. So I think it’s just important to hang in there for a while. I am glad when the team needs you the most [and] you deliver - it feels very nice.
On the pitch
It’s nice. We have to bowl in [the] good areas. We have Amit Mishra and Harbhajan and they have three left-handers in between. You never know, I might bowl a couple of overs. We have Ishant Sharma and PK [Praveen Kumar] - he bowled really well in the last session. We need to be disciplined when it comes to the bowling department. Hopefully we will bowl in [the] good areas [and] we [can] get a couple of wickets before the first session [is over].
On whether the Indian bowlers will be able to limit the West Indies batsmen who are likely to get a lead
Definitely, we have [an] experienced line [-up]. They have done really well in the last couple of Test matches. Like I said earlier, it is very important to be disciplined in your line and length. Hopefully we will do well in the morning.
