India opener Rohit Sharma welcomed the return of spectators to the stadium in the ongoing second Test between India and England being played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

The first Test of the ongoing four-match Test series was played behind closed doors, but the ongoing second Test is being played with 50 percent capacity at Chepauk.

This is the first time fans are allowed at the stadium after over a year in the country due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Rohit, who smashed 161 on Day 1 of the second Test, admitted that he was missing the cheerful atmosphere when the games were played behind closed doors.

"It was great fun to have them at the ground. I mean it is something that livens up the whole atmosphere at the stadium, in the ground. When there was no one at the ground in the first Test, the intensity was slightly low from both the teams," said Rohit in the virtual press conference after the end of the day's play.

"But when you have people coming to the ground and cheering, you know it's nice to have the crowd. It's been a long time. I am happy that they witnessed some good cricket today. Another four days to go, they gonna enjoy next four days as well," he added.

India finished the opening day on 300/6, with Rishabh Pant (33 not out) and debutant Akshar Patel (5 not out) at the crease.

At stumps on Day 1, Rishabh Pant was batting on 33 and giving him company at the other end was debutant Akshar Patel on 5.

According to Rohit, the score of 350 in the first innings on this track will be a challenging task for the opposition.

"I feel 350 would be a good total on this wicket and we have four wickets left. So we will hope Pant and Axar play long innings. Try and make as many runs as possible as we know this wicket will start turning a lot from the second and third day as we can see the rough patches," he said.

(With ANI inputs)