Those 100 runs by Ashwin and Saha will help us: Rahul

KL Rahul, who is having a good run with the bat in the Test series against the West Indies, says the unbroken century partnership between R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha could prove to be crucial to the outcome of the ongoing third Test in St Lucia.

India lead the four-match series 1-0. India were in trouble at 126 for five before Ashiwn and (75 not out) and Saha (46 not out) engineered the rescue act.

"I'd like to say the batsmen also showed a lot of discipline today (Tuesday). We could have easily been bowled out for 180-200, but the boys showed a lot of discipline. R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha's partnership (108) was really crucial. Those 100 runs will really help us in the Test.

"We are happy with our efforts, considering a damp wicket and heavy outfield, we will take 235/5 at the end of the wicket," Rahul told 'bcci.tv'.

Rahul, who made exactly 50 runs, said it was not easy to bat initially.

"When I went in to bat, the new ball was doing a bit, so I decided to take the attack to them. We lost a couple of wickets as well, so my plan was to attack them and put the loose balls away and put the pressure back on the bowlers.

"It worked well for me and I got a fifty but it was unfortunate the way I got out after that. It is a good learning for me and I will only get better from here."

The opener is contended with India's score on the opening day.

"Had it been any other outfield, the score would have been 260-270. That is a good enough score on the first day when we lost early wickets and considering the slow outfield. We are really happy.

"We are now looking to build on the score and looking to get a big first innings total, comeback and bowl stronger and learn a little bit from the West Indies bowlers and bowl with discipline. We have the firepower in our bowling line-up to exploit the conditions."