Mishra points to senior influence

Amit Mishra (left) says the likes of Virender Sehwag have aided his transition

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Leg-spinner Amit Mishra attributed his success on debut against Australia to the senior players in the India side.

Mishra, a late addition to the team after skipper Anil Kumble ruled himself out due to injury, returned figures of 5-71 as Australia were bowled out for 268 in reply to India's first-innings 469.

India closed day three in Mohali on 100 without loss, leading by 301.

Mishra picked up the wickets of Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Cameron White and Peter Siddle to help steer India into a formidable position.

"Honestly, I've waited five years for this opportunity," Mishra said. "I've been honing my skills in domestic cricket and have concentrated on performing well at all levels.

"I have been around the seniors in this team on several occasions in the past and they have helped me fine-tune my skills.

"Even in this match, they took the pressure off me by encouraging me and giving me confidence. I didn't even feel I was playing my first Test."

Mishra said he would cherish the wicket of Katich - his first in Test cricket - the most.

"It was my first Test wicket and that's something that is always special. I have been working on the googly quite a bit and some other variations as well.

"It came out pretty well in this match and I'm happy to have helped the cause of the team."

The 25-year-old Haryana player claimed it was important to have variety while bowling on pitches in the subcontinent.

"The wicket was slow and it wasn't very conducive to spin - not much at least. So I had to vary the deliveries and it worked."