Nick Compton has admitted that proving he could bat effectively for England was "very important" after he hit an unbeaten 64 against Mumbai A on Monday.
The Somerset opener had previously scored just one run in two innings but his unbeaten half century helped England secure a draw in the tour match.
Compton believes that his display was an important confidence boost and gives him a fighting chance of being picked for the first test against India.
He told BBC Sport: "For me it was just very important to get back into that mindset of scoring runs, spending time in the middle.
"Today I just felt that my balance was lot better, my leaving was lot more assured and I played the balls I had to.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't have an eye on the that opening spot and I've been working really hard towards that."
Compton is competing against Joe Root to partner Alistair Cook at the top of the order in the first test against India next week.
