Mumbai: India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels the two warm-up games that the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team would play before the five-Test series against England would help the visitors adapt adequately to the conditions.
"We have some time, that is a good thing. We have two ractice games before the Test matches, so it is a positive thing for us. We have enough time for preparation," he said here ahead of tomorrow's Indian Premier League Qualifier 2 between his team Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings.
The England tour commences on June 26 with a three-day game in Leicester. The visitors are set to play another warm- up game against Derbyshire (July 1-3) before the opening Test begins at Trent Bridge on July 9.
Pujara, who has played only two One-day Internationals (ODIs) and was yesterday included in the team for next month's three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, said the upcoming tour would provide good, competitive cricket.
"Hopefully, I will get a game this time. It is a good opportunity for all the young players who are part of this tour. Playing against Bangladesh in their home conditions won't be that easy. Bangladesh is a good team. We have a young side so it will be competitive."
India would take on Bangladesh in Mirpur on June 15, 17 and 19 and the selectors have rested several regulars from the team, including Dhoni. Suresh Raina will lead the side.
Referring to his Kings XI teammate Akshar Patel, drafted into the India squad for the Bangladesh series, Pujara said the left-arm spinner had done really well in IPL and hoped the T20 event would have prepared him well for the international grind.
"He has performed really well during the IPL. He has been one of the go-to bowlers for us. With the IPL experience I hope he will be able to do well even in ODI format. He is young and has got an opportunity...so let us see how it goes."
The 26-year-old Pujara has struggled to be among runs in the IPL (125 runs in 6 games), but said he is satisfied with his performance.
