Pujara-Rahane partnership of 100 more runs will be worth 'gold': KL Rahul

New Delhi: Indian opeener, KL Rahul, who scored is second consecutive half century of the game but was unable to convert into a big one, said that if Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane can add another 100 runs on day four, it would be worth "gold" in the second Test against Australia.

Pujara produced a 173-ball 79, while Rahane hit 40 off 105 balls after opener Rahul had laid the foundation with a 85-ball 51 to help India reach 213 four four, leading Australia by 126 runs.

"We went in with very clear intent to use our feet and rotate strike. That's the only way we could put pressure back, because the fielders were back on the boundaries. Hopefully Rahane and Pujara can continue and get us a 100 more runs, that'll be gold," he said after the third day's play.

The 24-year-old opener had missed a century at the first innings after being dismissed at 90 while he got out on 51 in the second innings today.

"It's been really disappointing, getting start and not converting them, especially when the team needed me to stay out and get big runs. Tried to build from strength to strength and hopefully I can build on it moving forward too," Rahul said.

The Bangalore batsman said it was easier to bat on the third day but cautioned that the ball will keep low on the fourth and fifth day.

"It was a little easier than the first innings, when the pitch was damp and that's why it bounced a bit more. I've played a lot of cricket here, it's my home and I know the third day is the best to bat," he said.

"On the fourth day, a few will keep down and a few will bounce up. So now we are really happy we got off to a good start and got good partnerships."

India's batting coach Sanjay Bangar expressed his views on KL Rahul's half century, while also suggesting that the Karnataka-born batsman to take more responsibilities and convert his decent starts into big scores.

"Within the batting group generally we are used to fielding five batsmen. All of them have made the conscious effort to score well and look at their personal landmarks than scoring a fifty or hundred. Batsmen who want to go that extra mile and play a big innings for the day - this is something all the boys have been doing.

"Rahul was very very disappointed. We want to see him improve in the games to come because the way he was stroking the ball he looked very comfortable. He understands that in the series to come and matches to come, he definitely would want put a price on his wicket," said Bangar.

What is the ideal target on the this pitch?

"You cannot put a number to the target. There are two competitive sides fighting who would like to take advantage, so we are only looking to come out and have a good morning session," he summed up.

(With PTI inputs)