Our target was to reach closer to Australia: Axar

NEW DELHI: At one point, during day two's play in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, it looked like Australia will have a huge lead, as India were in tatters at 139/7 in 50.5 overs.

But Axar Patel, the left-arm spin all-rounder, slammed 74 off 115 balls, leading yet another lower-order resurgence act. He shared an important 114-run partnership off 177 balls with Ravichandran Ashwin, who made 37 off 71 balls, for the eighth wicket to bring India on the threshold of taking a lead, though Australia stopped them one run short.

"There was pressure in that situation, and we were a little behind in the game. After that, it became very important about how much closer we can go to the lead. So, our target was to see how much closer we are getting to the runs, then we had a partnership between Ashwin and me. The wicket was also a little easy and we got set very well. Our thought was closer we get to the runs, the better it is. So, that was our plan and the lead was of only one run," said Axar in the post-match press conference.

After making 84 in the first Test at Nagpur last week, Axar backed that performance with a well-made 74 after coming in at number eight, hitting nine fours and three sixes, with his flat six over extra cover off Todd Murphy being the standout shot from his swashbuckling knock. Axar stated that building up on confidence with the bat has been a vital factor.

"It's not like that. Like, it is about a particular day, the confidence level, and the frame of mind you are in. So, all of these factors are very important. I have been coming from white-ball cricket and I was in good touch in the first game too. So, I am carrying that confidence. When you are feeling that you are in good form, then it is important to build on it. So, the mindset is to play consistently for a longer period." (IANS)