Batting at number three is a huge responsibility: Pujara

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Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored his maiden Test double century in India's mammoth first innings total against England, today said that missing out on a hundred against the same opposition in the warm-up game inspired him to score big in the first Test here.

"I got out for 87 in the practice match (for Mumbai 'A' before the series). That inspired me to score a hundred and then a double hundred," said Pujara, who batted for close to nine hours for his unconquered knock of 206 runs in India's first innings total of 521 for eight declared.

The 24-year-old Saurashtra batsman, who became the sixth Indian batsman to record a double ton against England, said he was comfortable against all the opposition bowlers on the slow-paced, low bounce track of the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera.

"I faced all the bowlers except (Graeme) Swann in that game. I was watchful for a few overs against him and then I was comfortable against all the bowlers," said Pujara.
Pujara has taken the crucial number three spot vacated by Rahul Dravid, who retired from international cricket in March this year, and the Saurashtra batsman said it brings a lot of responsibility with it.

"It's always important to bat up the order. Batting at number three is a huge responsibility. You are most of the time facing the new ball," said the Rajkot-born player, who has consistently scored big in the domestic circuit to make his way into the Indian squad.

Pujara also informed that he received a congratulatory message from Dravid hailing his performance.

"I got a message from Dravid congratulating me."

Pujara said that India were always targeting a score in excess of 500 and with England's three wickets down already, their batting looks 'fragile' on a turning track.