As Brendon McCullum led New Zealand’s fightback with a century, he was inadvertently helped by the Indian fielders along the way, dropped a couple of catches that sprung off his bat. It resulted in the hosts wiping out the first innings deficit on Day 3 and finishing with 252 for 5.
Indian batsman, Cheteshwar Pujara, however, defended his mates saying the lapses in the field were an aberration in what has otherwise been a fine fielding performance by the unit on the tour.
"If you look at both the Test matches we have taken so many good catches,” Pujara said. “Not only on this trip, but in South Africa also, the Indian fielding has been fantastic. We have effected many run-outs and held many good catches. So you are bound to drop a few catches here and there.
"It has been a fantastic game so far with many turns. But we are still in a very good position. If we can get a couple of quick wickets early on tomorrow, a lot of time is available. We are happy with the way things have shaped up.
"We could have been happier with a couple of more wickets but we are in a good position and in with a good chance to win this Test match," he said, referring to the wicketless last session of the day.
New Zealand’s comeback into the game was scripted through a 158-run stand for the sixth wicket between McCullum (114*) and BJ Watling (52*). Pujara acknowledged their effort.
"We have to give credit to their batsmen. The way they batted was really good. Brendon batted well and that partnership was very crucial for them. We tried our best but they were the winners in that last session. Like I said earlier, if we can get a couple early wickets then we can go through the tail-enders.
"The pitch is getting better day by day. Our bowlers did a very good job and bowled in the right areas. They didn't allow them to score many runs, which is a good sign for us. Overall looking at the wicket, they bowled really well," Pujara said.
Pujara himself has had a rather quiet series so far, which is contrary to the reputation he has gained of late. About his own lack of runs the batsman said, "I have learnt from my mistakes. My only regret is the first innings' dismissal in the first Test match where I played a really bad shot. But apart from that I got a good ball in the second innings there and here also, in the first innings I got a very good ball.
"I am confident of playing the ODI format well. It is just that I need to get a couple good scores in that format. I have done really well in the domestic matches I have played. So I am confident of a good showing in this format as well," Pujara said, referring to his selection in India’s ODI squad for the Asia Cup.
