'My confidence level is high'

Wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel on Sunday said the recent tour of England with India "A" side had boosted his confidence and he was now looking forward to playing in both Tests and one-day series at home.

"I had a nice tour of England. My confidence level is high," Parthiv told reporters here at the conditioning camp for Indian cricket probables at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Parthiv, who scored a century during the England "A" tour, said he was concentrating hard on improving his batting.

He said he was not troubled by the competition as far as wicket-keeping slot was concerned. "Competition will always be there. It can help you to perform better. That will push you a bit," he said.

The youngster sought to dismiss criticism that he had catapulted into the national side without playing in Ranji Trophy matches. "I was in National Cricket Academy... I went to Australia and was also captain of under-19 side. I had a bit of international experience."

The baby-faced cricketer conceded that the build-up matches of the Challenger series and Irany trophy as well two warm-up matches against the visiting New Zealand side would be "vital".

For Parthiv, the ongoing camp is the first such experience and he seemed a bit overawed.

"It's nice and completely different. We are all together after a long-time... All the top players together... It's good we are together".