Did not expect a two-paced Eden Gardens wicket: Rahane

Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who scored a 77-run knock to steady India's innings after initial jitters on Friday, said the Eden Gardens wicket for the second Test against New Zealand was "two-paced", contrary to their expectations.

"We didn't expect a two-paced wicket. We felt the wicket will be very good for batting. Generally in Kolkata the wicket is very good for batting. New Zealand fast bowlers bowled very well," Rahane said at stumps on Day One.

India finished the first day scoring 239/7 after winning the toss and opting to bat.

The right-hander, along with Chesteshwar Pujara (87), helped India after a top-order collapse, blamed themselves for failing to carry forward the momentum.

"There are no excuses. We played some bad shots. and got out. We have to learn quickly and move on again."

Rahane and Pujara stitched together a 141-run stand for the fourth wicket.

"It's not because of the wicket. We Played too many shots. Me and Pujara will take the blame. Both of us were settled. It was our responsibility to carry forward the momentum. Batsman need one ball to get out. If one of us had scored a hundred it would been a different story."

Rahane said India played well after lunch but lost focus in the last session.

"In the second session we played well. After tea, we lost focus and got out. We lost two extra wickets. Five wickets would have ideal at stumps. Another 75 to 100 runs would be good. We need to get to 325-330."

---IANS

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