I was determined to score a century: Jaffer

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali

IANS


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Dhaka : After scoring his fourth Test century, Wasim Jaffer said he was extremely determined to get a ton in the second match against Bangladesh here after failing miserably in the previous match.

"I am always determined no matter what the result is. I was that extra bit determined after getting that pair (of zeros). Obviously getting a pair is not a nice feeling. I was determined to get a good score and I am very happy," Jaffer told reporters after scoring 138 on the first day at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

India finished the day at 326 without loss, though four batsmen have batted so far.

Jaffer, who has now scored two centuries in five innings, thanked the team management for backing him, despite failing to score in both innings in the drawn first Test.

"I am delighted the team management was behind me. They backed me after the first Test and if their backing was not there I would not have played this game and got this result," he said.

Jaffer said he had a good understanding with opening partner Dinesh Karthik, who also retired due to cramps after scoring 82.

"Dinesh and I have opened in the last three Tests and we got a hundred partnership in Cape Town (against South Africa). We are good friends and it helps when you bat together," he said.

Jaffer refrained from criticising the tight itinerary and the timing of the series.

"Playing or not playing (in these tough conditions) is not in my hands; it is up to the BCCI (Indian board) or the Bangladesh Cricket Board to decide when to play and where," he said.

"But obviously the conditions are tough as you can see. I and Karthik had to come back due to cramps. But the conditions are same for both teams."

It remains to be seen when Jaffer and Karthik come out to bat Saturday.

Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar had won the toss and asked India to bat.

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