Madhya Pradesh captain Devendra Bundela and Naman Ojha batted the team to a first innings lead against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium and secured three points for the side. Facing the hosts’ 404-run total the pair batted patiently and built a solid stand on the third day. Their centuries helped MP to a 134-run lead on the third day.
Speaking about the effort, Ojha, who scored 155 said “I am very happy that I have performed well again and that is what I am looking for. I just tried to play according to the merit of the ball. Patience was the key while batting in the morning. You need to leave the balls when required to.
Bundela too agreed while saying, “In Mumbai you should know how to leave the ball, it swings initially so patience is key to batting here.”
The pair batted out the first session diligently to ensure that the visitors seize the advantage after Yogesh Rawat’s fifer on second day morning that brought them back in the game.
Speaking about his dismissal, Ojha said, “I was trying to take a single. I should have left the ball, it was a little outside.”
Speaking about the significance of his knock, Ojha added, “It was important for me. I have just come from Adelaide and I need a good score to show that I am in contention to play the next series.”
Discussing his knock he mentioned, “I am very happy. Mumbai is always a good side. Scoring against their fast bowlers gives confidence to me. It is a sporting track and the ball is still hitting the hand of the wicketkeeper.”
“Captain is a seasoned campaigner and he was there at the wicket so that helped. We complemented each other well. He held the other end and hung around,” he said while talking about the partnership with Bundela.
Bundela said, “It is always good to play against Mumbai. It was good that we could take the first innings lead, that was important. This wicket suits me, you can leave and play as well so it appeals to play here,” while speaking about the innings. “I enjoy playing and taking on challenges.”
Asked about their plans for the last day, Bundela said, “We will plan to give them batting and try for win. The morning session is important.”
