"It's Not In Our Hands": Axar Patel's Cheeky Comment As 4th India-Australia Test Heads For Day 5

Axar Patel's batting has been India's biggest gain in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Gujarat all-rounder had a few thumb rules which ensured that he ended as India's second highest run-getter in the four-match Test series against Australia. Axar scored 264 runs with three fifty-plus knocks -- 84 in Nagpur, 74 in Delhi and 79 in the ongoing match in Ahmedabad. Even if the Motera track is considered placid, the 22-yard strips at Jamtha and Kotla did pose their own sets of challenges and the southpaw was up for it.

"When we started with the camp in Nagpur, we knew we will be playing on turning tracks. I didn't prepare or plan much but did my own study for playing on spinning tracks," Axar told mediapersons after the end of the fourth day's play in the fourth and final Test here.

So, what was the basic plan that he followed? "I just prepared myself to stand on the leg-stump to keep a check on the possible leg-before and stumping, since these are the two modes of dismissals that can happen on turning tracks. I also planned to not step out much against off-spinners. I was getting myself ready for these things before the series started," Axar said about his plans.

The easy going all-rounder laughed when asked if he regretted missing out on three possible centuries.

"You have rubbed salt to wounds (laughs). The way I was batting... and I know the chances I have missed don't come often. Bade run karne the (had to score big).

"The positive thing is that I batted the way I wanted to and we had a good partnership (with Virat Kohli) when the team needed it. I am thinking about what you said (smiles again) but not thinking too much about it right now. I might feel (bad) about it more when I get back to the room." The next possible