Cheteshwar Pujara feels warm-up matches will be helpful for England Tests

Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s No.3 batsman in whites, Cheteshwar Pujara is confident that the team will get acclimitize to the conditions in England with a couple of practice matches scheduled before the five match Test series.

The first of the two warm-up games starts on June 26 as a three-day game in Leicester. The visiting side will be playing its second three-day match against Derbyshire on July 1 before moving to Trent Bridge for the first Test commencing on July 9.

"We have some time, that is a good thing. We have two practice games before the Test matches, so it is a positive thing for us. We have enough time for preparation," said the right-handed batsman who is currently in Mumbai for the IPL Qualifer against the Chennai Super Kings.

The 26-year-old has been included in the ODI squad for the 3-match series against Bangladesh. With several of the ODI regulars are rested, Pujara is confident on doing well but also expressed caution not to take the opposition lightly.

"Hopefully, I will get a game this time. It is a good opportunity for all the young players who are part of this tour. Playing against Bangladesh in their home conditions won't be that easy. Bangladesh is a good team. We have a young side so it will be competitive."

India are scheduled to play the first ODI against Bangladesh on June 15 with just one day gap in between for the next two games.

Commenting on his KXIP teammate Akshar Patel who has been awarded with the national call-up for the Bangladesh tour for his good season with the ball, Pujara said, "He has performed really well during the IPL. He has been one of the go-to bowlers for us. With the IPL experience I hope he will be able to do well even in ODI format. He is young and has got an opportunity...so let us see how it goes."

Pujara has not been in his best of form but said he is satisfied with his performance in this IPL.