CHENNAI: Centurion England batsman Andrew Strauss feels 400 would be a good first innings total for his team but it will have to labour hard to cross the mark as early as possible before the wicket deteriorates on the second day on Friday.
"Generally in India, 400 is a good first innings total. So we have to work really hard tomorrow, the wickets would be deteriorating later in the day so if we can bat the first session well we can reach the 400 mark," he said after the opening day's play, which the visitors ended with 229 for 5 on the board.
With Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who scalped two wickets, already reverse swinging, Strauss said it would make life difficult for the batsman on Friday.
"It is difficult for batsman out there. Zaheer Khan is a great bowler, especially his skills of reverse swinging the ball. I mean we knew what to expect but going there facing it is very difficult," he said.
Strauss, who scored 123 before being caught and bowled by Amit Mishra, said he was delighted to notch up a century despite staying after a long lay-off.
"I am delighted and very happy to get the century. I had not played much cricket of late but Abu Dhabi was fantastic. I was not even with a bad form, I was literally without any form and so going into the match and getting the runs it feels great," Strauss said after the day's play.
"I would have loved to stay there overnight but I hope the other guys do well tomorrow," he added.
