Have learnt from past mistakes: Naman Ojha

Mumbai, October  30 - Following his 52-run knock against the South Africans in the two-day practice match here, wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha on Friday said he has learnt from his past mistakes and would aim at carrying on the momentum in the upcoming matches to cement his place in the India Test cricket side.

After a sloppy start, Board President XI batsmen made a strong comeback to post a commendable 296 in the first innings at the Brabourne Stadium here on Friday. Opener Lokesh Rahul (72), Ojha, Hardik Pandya (47) and Karun Nair (44) did the bulk of the scoring for the home side before being bowled out in 78.5 overs.

In reply, Dean Elgar remained unbeaten on 18 as the visitors reached 46/2 in 8.2 overs at stumps on the first day.

"This knock is important for me, this innings will help me gain confidence. If you have some runs under your belt, it is easy for someone to take the game ahead in the season," Ojha, who has not been among the runs lately, told reporters.

"I have learnt from my mistakes what I did in Sri Lanka and I made sure I did not repeat the same mistakes again," the Madhya Pradesh cricketer added.

Speaking on the quality of bowling the visitors displayed, the 32-year-old said: "All the bowlers were bowling good, specially their spinners."

Ojha backed Rajasthan pacer Nathu Singh who was called up in the squad for the practice match, terming him as a bowler who bowls really quick.

Nathu, who has played just three Ranji Trophy games, was picked by the selectors.

"I think he (Nathu) bowled quick. Maybe his line was a bit wayward but he bowled quick. The bowl was coming really fast on my hand," he said.

When asked about his competition with Bengal glovesman Wriddhiman Saha, Ojha said, "My focus is on performing well. I have performed well and not looking at others. I am not concentrating on what Wriddhiman Saha is doing."

(IANS)