‘I knew if I played the new ball cautiously, it’s good for the team’
Virender Sehwag appeared more relaxed than delighted after notching up a Test hundred after 23 months.
The Delhi Dasher gave credit to Indian team’s video analyst Dhananjay for helping him view footages of some earlier matches, and make him understand the need to tackle the new ball a bit more cautiously.
“I have to thank DJ, our video analyst. He gave the videos of the last 10 matches and whenever I played 10 overs quietly I score a big hundred. We were watching videos last night till 11pm. I realised that if I played the new ball cautiously it’s good for me, and good for the team,” Sehwag told media persons at the end of first day’s play of the first Test.
Sehwag and his opening partner Gautam Gambhir too have been going through a lean patch as a pair, and their last 100-plus stand came against South Africa at Centurion in 2010. But on a sunny Thursday, they made amends for some past failures, adding 134 runs here.
Sehwag was understandably chuffed with their effort. “I’m very pleased that Gautam also scored runs, and we gave a very good start to the team. It’s a good sign.”
Turning an eye to his run-a-ball 117, Sehwag said, “This is my 23rd hundred. Every hundred is important. I am very pleased that the hundred came at the right time. Right now we are in a good position, hopefully we will build on tomorrow. We know we have to bowl well because the wicket is on the slower side.
“But yes, it’s important to score hundred in Test cricket. I am pleased that I have scored after one and half or two years. It’s long time and I am happy that I scored a hundred today,” he said.
During the lean period, Sehwag said, he had never doubted his ability to score runs.
“My team or myself had no doubts (on his ability to amass runs). Other stories are just figment of imagination,” said the Delhi opener.
The right-hander was quite aware of the task ahead of Indians, grabbing 20 England wickets on a slow-turner. “We have to work hard to take 20 English wickets. They are not Bangladesh or somebody else. They are a very good side, no 2 at the moment. I think we will have to work for their 20 wickets as they will not throw their wickets.”
Sehwag also lauded Cheteshwar Pujara, who remained unbeaten on 98, for showing excellent temperament.
“He’s a good player and he showed his class, and hopefully tomorrow he will come and score his hundred,” he said.
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