Pujara notches maiden test ton
Source: Agencies |
August 24, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHETESHWAR Pujara gave India hope for the future with a maiden century yesterday that took the hosts to 307-5 in the first test against New Zealand in Hyderabad.
The 24-year-old Pujara, one of two replacements for retired stalwarts Rahul Dravid and V.V.S.Laxman, was unbeaten on 119 at stumps on the first day. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29) was the other undefeated batsman as India looked to take full advantage after electing to bat in good conditions.
Entering at No. 3, Pujara shared a 125-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli (58). Pujara, who played the last of his three previous tests in January 2011, struck one six and 15 fours.
Pujara was cautious early on but dominated the bowling in the final session of play. He was on 54 off 124 balls at tea but took only 45 more deliveries to reach 100, including a huge six over mid-wicket off part-time spinner Kane Williamson. He got to his half-century with a four through point off left-arm seamer James Franklin and to his century with a nudge towards long-leg off the same bowler.
Kohli, already established in the test side, scored a neat fourth half-century in nine tests with eight fours off 107 balls. He was dropped on 46 by Ross Taylor at slip off the bowling of spinner Jeetan Patel before being caught in the slips by Martin Guptill off pace bowler Chris Martin.
But while Pujara and Kohli impressed, Suresh Raina failed to capitalize on a chance to establish himself in tests. The left-hander, who is a regular in the limited overs sides, edged a ball down the leg side from Patel that was taken smartly by wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk.
Earlier, India lost openers Virender Sehwag (47) and Gautam Gambhir (22) in the first session while Tendulkar (19) was bowled by Trent Boult (2-63) in the second session after a patchy 62-ball knock, his first in international cricket since he became a Member of Parliament.
The 24-year-old Pujara, one of two replacements for retired stalwarts Rahul Dravid and V.V.S.Laxman, was unbeaten on 119 at stumps on the first day. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29) was the other undefeated batsman as India looked to take full advantage after electing to bat in good conditions.
Entering at No. 3, Pujara shared a 125-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli (58). Pujara, who played the last of his three previous tests in January 2011, struck one six and 15 fours.
Pujara was cautious early on but dominated the bowling in the final session of play. He was on 54 off 124 balls at tea but took only 45 more deliveries to reach 100, including a huge six over mid-wicket off part-time spinner Kane Williamson. He got to his half-century with a four through point off left-arm seamer James Franklin and to his century with a nudge towards long-leg off the same bowler.
Kohli, already established in the test side, scored a neat fourth half-century in nine tests with eight fours off 107 balls. He was dropped on 46 by Ross Taylor at slip off the bowling of spinner Jeetan Patel before being caught in the slips by Martin Guptill off pace bowler Chris Martin.
But while Pujara and Kohli impressed, Suresh Raina failed to capitalize on a chance to establish himself in tests. The left-hander, who is a regular in the limited overs sides, edged a ball down the leg side from Patel that was taken smartly by wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk.
Earlier, India lost openers Virender Sehwag (47) and Gautam Gambhir (22) in the first session while Tendulkar (19) was bowled by Trent Boult (2-63) in the second session after a patchy 62-ball knock, his first in international cricket since he became a Member of Parliament.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
