SL vs Ind, 1st Test: Dhawan, Pujara make up the day, India 399/3 at stumps

Samarth Srivastava
Published on: 26 July 2017 12:03 PM GMT
SL vs Ind, 1st Test: Dhawan, Pujara make up the day, India 399/3 at stumps
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SL vs Ind, 1st Test: Dhawan, Pujara make up the day, India 399/3 at stumps

Galle: A sparkling century by Shikhar Dhawan followed by another flawless knock by Cheteshwar Pujara saw India in a driver seat to put 399 on scoreboard at stumps on first day of the opening match of the five-match series against hosts Sri Lanka at Galle International stadium here on Wednesday. Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are at the crease.

This is the second highest score put by India in a day in Test match. These are the most runs by India in the opening day's play of any Test away. Previously, India scored 375 runs against New Zealand in Wellington in 2009 in a day.

Dhawan and classy Pujara have shown their prowess, making some big contributions for the side. Ajinkya Rahane, not in his fashion, has scored 39 runs off 94 balls with one boundary.

Dhawan threw away his wicket when he was just 10 runs behind his first double ton. The entire Indian dressing team was on its feet when he walked off. Dhawan had made an attempt to hit Pradeep over mid-off but failed to execute the same. Dhawan, who was playing a gem of a knock, hit 31 fours in his 168-ball inning.

Also read: Pujara’s ever-hungry appetite for runs continue, hits 12th ton

Dhawan added another feather to his cap as became the only Indian to score maximum runs in between the overs from tea to lunch.

The day was upsetting was captain Kohli as his rough patch in Tests continued. He has scored just 49 runs in his last six innings at an avearge of 8.16.

On the other end, Pujara’s ever-hungry appetite for runs continued as he scored career's 12th century. Pujara, often called India’s best Test batsman, has hit eight fours in his 100-run knock so far with exemplary control and nimble wrist-work.

Together with Dhawan, he shared crucial 253-run stand for the second wicket.

The day was upsetting was captain Kohli as his rough patch in Tests continued. He has scored just 49 runs in his last six innings at an average of 8.16.

Earlier, opting to bat, Indian opener Mukund fell victim to a poor shot selection when he dabbed at a delivery outside the off-stump only to see wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella latch onto the outside edge.

Electing to bat on winning the toss, the visitors were off to a steady start with Dhawan and Mukund handling the Lankan pacers quite comfortably.

The Indian openers were a bit cautious in the opening two overs before Dhawan brought up the first boundary of the innings with a straight drive off pacer Nuwan Pradeep.

The Lankan pacers were unable to trouble the Indians, who continued to bat comfortably, hitting the occasional boundary.

Mukund was struggling a bit, although he hit two boundaries off pacer Lahiru Kumara during his 26-ball stay in the middle. But the left-hander virtually gifted his wicket to Pradeep when he decided to go after a ball which moved away slightly after pitching.

Pujara joined Dhawan and enjoyed some early luck when he edged Pradeep off the second ball he faced but the ball went for a boundary after landing wide of the slip cordon.

Dhawan however, continued to display excellent form at the other end, finding the fence at regular occasions.

Pujara soon settled his nerves and gave Dhawan excellent support at the other end as the Indians went into the break having grabbed the early advantage.

Pradeep was the only wicket-taker for Lanka, picking three wickets.

Samarth Srivastava

Samarth Srivastava

Employed as sub-editor at newstrack.com. A learner, who loves covering sports, entertainment and defence kind of stuff.

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