My preparation for batting unchanged irrespective of conditions: Rahane

After scoring his seventh Test century, Indian Test team's vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane says that he sticks to his usual process to prepare him as a batsman, irrespective of whether he is playing at home or abroad.

Rahane was unbeaten on 108 at stumps on Day 3 of the second cricket Test against the West Indies here on Monday, which helped India gather a vital 304-run first innings lead against the hosts at the Sabina Park Stadium.

India declared at 500/9 in their first innings as heavy rains forced play to be called off for the day.

"I was disappointed with the way I got out in the first Test. But, whether we play in India or abroad, what's important for me is my process and preparations," Rahane told reporters after the end of the day's play.

"I never think about scoring hundreds. I think the results will follow as long as I prepare well and my processes are right. I think about the small things that are helpful for me.

Rahane remained unbeaten on 108 off 237 balls, with 13 fours and three sixes. For the hosts, Roston Chase (5-121) was the pick of the bowlers.

The Mumbai-based batsman pointed out that the plan for the visitors was to bat once and that it eventually worked well.

"Initially, in the morning, we wanted to play normal cricket. Unfortunately, Wriddhiman Saha got out just before lunch. That partnership was really important for us. The plan was to bat once and bat long and I think we did that," he said.

"Unfortunately the rain came in, that's not something we can control. We were not thinking about the weather. We did not have any discussion about the rain. The important thing was how much of a lead we could get and how quickly we can get it," the right-handed batsman added.

"We wanted to play normal cricket till lunch and then if we played positively, our lead would've grown."

The Mumbai-based batsman was well supported at the other end by lower-order batsman Saha (47) and tail-enders Amit Mishra (21) and Umesh Yadav (19).

"There's still some help for the fast bowlers in the wicket and I thought Jason Holder bowled a very good spell before lunch. I was not thinking about my hundred. When Amit Mishra and Mohammed Shami got out, I told Umesh Yadav to play normal cricket. I told him to just give 100 percent whether defending or playing a shot," the 28-year-old said.

"When I was on 84-85, I wanted to play normal cricket but the off-spinner brought his long off in and I wanted to clear the fielder. When I was on 95, I thought we should just play normal cricket and once for my hundred I thought of playing some shots," Rahane signed off.

--IANS

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