rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Cricket » I am willing to bat at any number: Rahane
This article was first published 12 years ago

I am willing to bat at any number: Rahane

Last updated on: November 2, 2012 08:23 IST

Image: Ajinkya Rahane
Photographs: Getty Images

Ajinkya Rahane insisted he does not have preference for a particular batting position and that he was willing to bat at any number.

India 'A' coach Lalchand Rajput had said before the warm-up game against the visiting England team that Rahane likes to bat at No. 3, giving a clear hint that Murali Vijay and Abhinav Mukund would open the innings.

"I am not particular about which number I should bat. I will be happy to bat wherever team management wants me to. I just want to score runs," said the Mumbai batsman after scoring a half-century in the second innings of the drawn tie.

'Yuvraj bowled very well'

Image: Yuvraj Singh bowls during a practice game
Photographs: Pal Pillai/Getty Images

Rahane said he was pleased with his second innings effort of 54 in 98 balls after scoring just four in the first essay.

"I am happy with my second innings effort after the disappointment in the first. It will give me confidence going forward to the Ranji Trophy game tomorrow (against Railways at the Wankhede Stadium)," he said.

The 24-year-old batsman praised bowling effort of Yuvraj Singh, who returned a career-best first class haul of 5/94.

"Yuvraj bowled very well. He bowled well in the T20 World Cup too (in Sri Lanka). He is a useful bowler."

'England spinners bowled well'

Image: Samit Patel
Photographs: Pal Pillai/Getty Images

The Mumbai batsman and reserve Test opener had a good look at the England bowling during the game and termed the attack in the game as decent.

"They bowled well and in good areas. Their bowling was pretty decent. (Spinners) Graeme Swann and Samit (Patel) bowled in right areas," he said.

England pace spearhead James Anderson, who claimed four wickets in the game, said the visitors were not concerned about a part-time bowler like Yuvraj getting a fifer.

"I don't think. We got a couple of guys getting hundreds and a couple others getting fifties. Spinners are going to get wickets here as the wickets have a little bit of turn," he pointed out.

'We had a pretty good work-out'

Image: James Anderson
Photographs: Pal Pillai/Getty Images

England skipper Alastair Cook (119) and all-rounder Samit (104) scored hundreds in the game while Jonathan Trott (56) and wicket-keeper Matt Prior (51) scored half-centuries.

Anderson said that his team had a decent outing in the middle.

"We had a pretty good work-out. I think we got what we needed to get out of the game," he said.

He also praised the batting of Cook and Patel. "He (Cook) was very determined and showed by example. Samit was outstanding. He was calm and controlled."

Anderson said while fast bowling partner Steve Finn's right thigh strain was unfortunate, it also offered the other pacers in the squad a chance. "Injuries do happen. It's unfortunate. But it gives others a chance," he said.

Finn was injured on the opening day while fielding and limped off the field after a four-over spell in which he did not take any wicket.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.