Plan was to play aggressively and in short partnerships: Saha

Wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who spiced up Indias late-order batting on Saturday with a dogged 54 which helped the side go past the 300-run mark in the first innings, said the plan was to play aggressively from the start of the day.

"The plan was to focus on short partnerships. We thought 270-280 will be a good score initially then try for 300. Thankfully that happened with Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) and (Mohammed) Shami," Saha told reporters at the post match press conference at the Eden Gardens here.

The diminutive batsman hit his first half-century at home and stitched crucial partnerships with Jadeja for the eighth wicket (41) and later with Shami (35) for the last wicket. India posted 316 in the first innings riding their lower-order performance.

Asked if it is a particular plan as in both Tests the lower order has contributed significantly, Saha said: "No always the plan is batsmen will make runs like they do. Then if tail-enders can contribute it is an added boost and is very helpful. We want to stretch this lower order run flow."

Saha said that keeping in mind the 'seaming wicket', dealing in boundaries was what the doctor ordered.

"It is a seaming wicket in the middle. We needed to play our shots otherwise we won't get past 260. So our plan was to score off boundaries. If we would have gone for singles the score probably would have been around 280. That was the plan."

"After rain we got more movement. Vision was blurred under lights. We got three wickets in the final session and hopefully we can continue the good streak," he added.

Saha also said that they have a good bench strength.

"We have great bench strength. As far as Bhuvi playing in this match is concerned, the team is formed according to who fits in for that match. Bhuvi was needed here so he played and he bowled outstandingly," he said.

Saha wrapped up by saying that this innings was a 'normal' one for him and it was only vital as it helped the team get past 300.

"This was like any other innings. This was normal. The team is more important and I am happy the team went past 300 and I could contribute," he said.

On the wicket which has raised many a eyebrow for its grass sprinkling and unpredictable bounce, Saha who has played a lot of cricket here said: "I have never played on this type of Eden wicket before. During my first class days also maybe once or twice but I don't remember. I think this is a result-oriented wicket," he added.

--IANS

dm/gau/bg