Amit Mishra hopeful of improved performance in second Test

11/15/2016

Amit Mishra blamed his poor outing in the drawn first Test against England on his failure to adapt quickly to the game’s longest format following the ODI series against New Zealand. The leg-spinner, however, is confident of putting up an improved show in the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

"I wouldn't say I bowled very well. It did take time for me to get my rhythm, especially since I was playing a Test after a long time. I was at the bench for two Tests in the West Indies and then sat out for the New Zealand Test series. Also, I was coming off from the ODI series so the transition from ODIs to Tests did take some time. But, I believe there was improvement in my bowling in the second innings and I bowled better," Mishra told BCCI.tv.

Mishra was the most expensive Indian bowler at Rajkot, going well over four runs an over while picking up three wickets in the game.

"It was a good wicket for batting. It was a slow wicket. It would have been a lot more exciting had there been more pace in the wicket. The result could have gone in our favour had we put them under pressure by picking wickets at the top,” the 33-year-old said.

“There is difficulty for the bowlers to bowl on wickets that are suitable for batting and you are about to bowl to a side that has already scored more than 500. It is important as a bowler to bowl in the right areas and make the batsmen commit errors. We tried our best but credit to them for the way they batted.”

The Haryana bowler said coach Anil Kumble provides him with a lot of inputs.

"He has always told me that I am a wicket-taking bowler. He has always asked me to go for wickets. Especially while bowling on this wicket at Rajkot, he asked me not to experiment too much and stick to my line and length. It was a tough day, but I will try to bowl according to the situation and pick wickets," Mishra said.

Mishra insisted that the team was confident of drawing the game on the final day despite being put under tremendous pressure that saw them lose six wickets.

"There was a bit of pressure, but we were confident of the outcome. Our batsmen were in form and had runs under their belt. The batsmen to follow were also confident that they could bat it out. It was great batting from Kohli,” he said.

“Jadeja was very positive and he even went for shots. At such a time, the bowlers tend to get on the back foot. That gets them thinking. He was asked to play his natural game but at the same time, not try anything flashy. Both showed great temperament and showed we wouldn't succumb under pressure.”

Mishra is looking forward to the next Test. "The first innings didn't go my way, but I began to get my rhythm in the second innings when the pitch began to help the spinners a bit. Hopefully, I can continue with this rhythm in the next Test match, if I get a chance. I do have the confidence of the fifer I took against New Zealand in Vizag and my preparations will only get better come the second Test.”

Amit Mishra hopeful of improved performance in second Test

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