Wasim Jaffer [Images], vying for the opener's slot, is hoping his performance in the tour-game against Pakistan 'A' on Saturday would hold him in good stead when India go into the Test series.

He also expressed happiness about his own effort and that of the team total of 298 for four on the opening day of the three-day match.

Images

"It's important to start a tour game on a good note as it has been observed in the past that there have been instances when happenings in a tour game have made an impact on a Test series," said the opener, who scored 58 off 102 balls.

"I am happy with my performance. The wicket was good to bat on though there was some movement earlier on. And Umar Gul also bowled well. He's an international quality bowler,"

Jaffer told reporters after the opening day's play's at the Bagh-e-Jinnah ground in Lahore [Images].

The Mumbai batsman is fighting for a place in the Test eleven with opener Gautam Gambhir [Images], who also scored a half century (53) today.