Mumbai, Nov 23: Darren Bravo, the Trinidadian batsman who frequently elicits comparisons with compatriot Brian Lara, went on to score 166 runs after being dropped early on West Indies’ first innings at the Wankhede. The talented cricketer fell just one run short of staying on par with the legendary batsman’s statistics on another successful day for the visitors.

While speaking to the media after the day’s play, Bravo spoke about his second consecutive century against India and the performance of his team-mates.

Excerpts from the press conference:

On his dismissal

I think I became a bit tired. [I have been] suffering from the flu for the past couple of days and it’s taken a toll on me but nevertheless I’m quite satisfied with my performance and am feeling great about the entire team performance.

On missing out on equalling Brian Lara’s record by one run

If I had scored one more run I would have equalled [Brian] Lara’s record; it’s not something we can plan. It’s something I can’t go there and try to achieve, [it is] something that happens on its own. It was very good to go out there and get a hundred for my team. I hope to go out there tomorrow and put on a good bowling performance.

On comparing the knock here at Wankhede Stadium to the one at Eden Gardens

It was a good innings. I don’t want to compare [the two]. I am in pretty good form at this point in time and hopefully I can continue.

On his innings

It was very important for me to stay positive as much as possible. The openers did a tremendous job as well as Kirk Edwards. It was a matter of continuing from where the openers left off. Kirk and I batted well yesterday and today as well. Unfortunately he didn’t get another Test hundred but he is finding his ground in international cricket. He is performing well. We have a good understanding together.

On the pitch and the West Indies fast bowlers

It is a decent batting wicket. There is a bit of turn for the spinners. As far as the fast bowlers are concerned if the guys go out there and bowl in the right areas, they will get something from the wicket. We have the likes of Ravi Rampaul and Fidel Edwards […] We are going to go there and try to get the top order early. It’s going to take something special from our fast bowlers […] I believe we can go out there and get the job done.

On the Indian bowling

The Indian bowling attack, I think, have a decent plan for me. It is something that I have been working on in the nets as well. I believe I have overcome it nicely and hopefully can continue going from strength to strength.

On whether the pitch behaved differently on Day 2

I think it played much better today. The ball is coming on to the bat nicely. Yesterday there was a bit of moisture in the wicket […] As long as you apply yourself and assess the conditions, there’s runs to get […] It’s nice to get a good hundred out there.