Ahmedabad: Virender Sehwag silenced his critics with a scintillating 117 off 117 balls while Cheteshwar Pujara made yet another statement for his claim of No. 3 position left vacant by Rahul Dravid’s retirement with a cool and restrained unbeaten knock of 98, which took India to 323 for four on the first day of the first Test match against England at Motera on Thursday.
Graeme Swann picked up all the four Indian wickets that fell in the day.
Under fire openers Sehwag and Gambhir started the day well for India and got off to a good start. Their innings was a mix of aggression and caution and they avoided taking any risks early on. Sehwag however broke free once he set his eyes and started scoring at will. Gambhir was happy to play the role of an anchor and give strike to his partner.
They batted well and stitched an opening stand of 134 before Swann beautifully castled Gambhir’s stumps with a delivery that stayed low. His 111-ball 45 runs innings was laced with four deliveries.
His wicket brought Cheteswar Pujara to the crease and he showed that why he is touted as a replacement for Rahul Dravid. He started off cautiously on his home ground and batted cleverly. He treated the bowlers on merit and went after loose deliveries.
Meanwhile Sehwag reached his 23rd century off just 90 deliveries with a boundary off Swann’s bowling. His innings consisted of 15 fours and a six.
Sehwag however could not last long after his century and he was bowled by Swann while trying to attempt sweep shot.
Sachin Tendulkar replaced him in the middle and after initial glimpse of excellence he was out caught at deep mid-wicket by Samit Patel off Swann’s bowling.
Virat Kohli played well and put up a strong resistance but fell soon after tea break. He was caught dumfound in the middle to an off-spinner by Swann and was beaten all ends up to lose his off stump.
In came comeback Yuvraj Singh and he was welcomed to a huge roar and along with Pujara played well in the final session to avoid any further casualty. He stayed unbeaten on 24 including two boundaries, while Pujara played 181 deliveries and hit 13 boundaries.
Swann ended the day with figures of 4-85.
Brief Score:
India 323/4 (Sehwag 117, Pujara 98*, Swann 4-82)
By Indian Sports News Network