Centurion Wasim Jaffer admitted that he was under immense pressure when he came out to bat in the third Test at Cape Twon on Tuesday but was glad that he could keep the faith the team management had reposed in him even after a poor batting show earlier.
"I was under immense pressure to hold on to my place as I didn't have enough runs on the tour but I am grateful to the team management who stuck by me," said an impassive Jaffer after his 116 had given the team a headstart after the first day's play against South Africa.
Jaffer admitted he was not sure if he would be in the playing eleven by the time he went to bed on the eve of the match.
"I was in the 12 so that was in a way encouraging but I was told only this morning that I would be playing the match," remarked Jaffer.
Jaffer had only words of praise for his partner Dinesh Kaarthick who had not batted enough in the series but did a commendable job when asked to open the innings.
He said he shared a good vibe with Kaarthick and it helped.
{{/usCountry}}He said he shared a good vibe with Kaarthick and it helped.
{{/usCountry}}"We are good friends and I have come to know him well since we sit next to each other in the team bus," he said.
The pitch would surely encourage Indian cricket fans to look forward to the rest of the match, Jaffer observed. "It's an Indian kind of wicket. It's dry and there is a patch which I feel would be very useful for Anil Kumble."