Ahmedabad, Nov 16: England came to India three weeks prior to their big four-match Test series. They played three warm-up matches in which all of their squad got some time in the middle. Alaistair Cook seemed particularly satisfied with the team’s preparations ahead of the first Test in Ahmedabad.

“For the first time since I’ve been part of the team, we’ve had three warm-up matches,” he said. “That has given us a chance of not only giving practice to the players who we think will feature in the XI but also give an opportunity to the other players to get used to the conditions.”

But two days into the first Test, England find themselves buried under the big pile of runs scored by Indian batsmen. And in their attempt to find their way up, they have already lost three men. Chasing India’s 521 for 8 decl. in the first innings, England are 41 for 3, having lost opener Nick Compton and anchor Jonathan Trott. They still require 281 to avoid a follow-on and get another crack at the Indian batsmen.

A very significant role in putting England where they are was played by Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s new one-down batsman, who scored his maiden Test double century. The 26-year-old, with his technique and temperament has, at least for the time being, ensured in covering up the Dravid-sized void.

One of the bowlers, who bore the brunt of Pujara’s single-mindedness and Yuvraj Singh’s (74) intent was Samit Patel. With the seamers failing to have any impact on the game so far, Patel had to step up as the only foil to Graeme Swann. He bowled 31 overs for 96 runs, dismissed Yuvraj off a full-toss and was easily negotiated by the Indian batsmen.

In a post-play interview with bcci.tv, Patel admitted that despite England’s thorough preparation, it was impossible for them to have planned for what the Indian batsmen served them. Instead of finding excuses, Patel chose to see the struggle as a learning curve for the remaining matches.

“I think it gets tough if Yuvraj gets going in the way he did. Pujara batted at one tempo and he played a classical Indian knock. It’s very good to learn watching them bat both for batsmen and the bowlers.”

England had a glimpse of Pujara during one of their warm-up matches, at DY Patil Stadium, where the Indian batsman fell short of a century. But that wasn’t enough for the visitors to make a clear strategy against the youngster. Patel said, “We’ll work out our plans against him the more and more we see of him.”

On both days, the England bowlers were treated with a variety of class from two Indian batsmen. While Pujara played with the patience of the bowlers to get his 206 not-out, Virender Sehwag was his more sedate but nonetheless aggressive self during his run-a-ball 117 on Day 1.

Patel said that he’d rather bowl to Sehwag as there is a chance of picking a wicket. “You’re always going to get a chance with Sehwag. I don’t think that will happen against Pujara. Sehwag is always looking for a boundary and Pujara is always looking for a one.” His words reflective of the fact that the England bowlers failed to get the latter out.

While Swann insisted his 5 for 51 was more a result of patience and hard work than the pitch, Patel had no qualms in admitting he’d “rather bowl on this track than bat.” With England already three down and the Indian spinners licking their fingers at the prospect of bowling on the third-day track, Patel will have to be ready to bat.

However, he must be hoping it’s not anytime soon.