I am gradually returning to Test mode, says Ravindra Jadeja

After delivering an impressive performance on the opening day of the second warm-up game against West Indies Cricket Board President's XI, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja stated he felt he was gradually settling himself to bowling long spells in challenging conditions.

"We are playing the longer format after a long time and match fitness is important. I am working towards bowling 15-20 overs in a day. The way I bowled, I felt like I am building towards it and getting back to it. The wicket was turning and it had bounce too, so I was bowling as per my line and length," Jadeja was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

The 27-year-old, who played his last Test against South Africa in December, bagged three wickets and bowled nine maiden overs to put constant pressure on the WIBP XI, who were eventually bowled out for 180 in 62.4 overs.

Jadeja further stressed that his side need to be mentally strong while facing the hosts. "Mentally you have to be prepared for hot and humid conditions. Opposition batsmen building a long partnership is also a possibility. We bowled as a unit didn't give away too many runs, which has been our focus," he said.

In reply, India were 93 for three in 25.3 overs at stumps with KL Rahul remaining unbeaten on 30. Openers Murali Vijay (23) and Shikhar Dhawan (9) were dismissed in the space of nine balls while Cheteshwar Pujara (28) was bowled out at the end of the day's play.

He also believes winning an away series in West Indies will bring about a change in public perception that India could only win games in their home conditions.

"Now both in Test and One-day cricket the performance is measured on the basis of your show overseas," he said. "Our focus will be to win the series. Whenever we do well, people say we always win in India. This is an away series and we want to change that thinking. This is an away series and we want to win.