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Cheteshwar Pujara optimistic for India despite losing late wickets to England

Cheteshwar Pujara is confident that India can hack down England's 218-run lead after ending day three of the first Test on 319-4 in their first innings.

Cheteshwar Pujara has claimed that India can close down England's first-innings total on Saturday, despite losing two late wickets on day three of the first Test in Rajkot.

Murali Vijay (126) and Amit Mishra (0) were dismissed in the final two overs of the day as India reached 319-4 at stumps, trailing England by 218 runs.

Pujara impressed with the bat as he scored his ninth Test century before being caught by Alastair Cook off the bowling of Ben Stokes.

The 28-year-old, who was hit on the head three times in as many overs, returned to the pavilion with a knock of 124.

"I think England bowled good lines but I knew that if I stayed in there I can get my shots on loose balls," Pujara told Sky Sports News. "Sometimes you have to respect international bowlers when they are bowling well in Test matches.

"If we can bat well on day four then we can be positive going into day five as I expect the ball to start turning more on day five. Here in India you always expect more turn at least by day four."

Virat Kohli remains unbeaten on 26 runs.

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England captain Alastair Cook celebrates after winning the 4th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge on August 8, 2015
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