Indian opener Gautam Gambhir slam fourth century of his test career to put his team on a way to get big first inning total against Engalnd. He lost his partner very early in the 2nd over of play when Stuart Broad removed dangerous Virendra Sehwag in his very first over for duck.
Rahul Dravid also marked his return to form as he manages to hit his 54th half-century. When bad light stopped play on day one both G.Gambhir and R.Dravid were not out on 106 and 65.
Virendra Sehwag early dismissal was big set back for the Indians as expected they didn’t get a quick fire start. However G.Gambhir and R.Dravid both batted sensibly to guide the Indian ship to comfort zone. Both put on unbeaten 173 runs partnership for the second wicket.
Only 72 overs could be bowled on Friday before bad light dropped early curtains on the proceedings 45 minutes before scheduled close.
Earlier Indian captain M.S.Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat first on cloudy and chilly morning. But due to bad light played was delayed by 20 minutes.
Due to seaming and swinging condition both batsman have to fight for every run scored. R.Dravid looks anxious at start but grew his confidence as the time gone by and manage to hit a well compiled and much needed fifty which may be a career saving innings for him.
On the other end G.Gambhir looks in superb form right from the word go and hit 12 fours and one huge six in his inning of 106 runs. Overall, it was a day of hard toil for the England attack, which managed just one wicket in three sessions.
Playing XI for both teams (Match will be played from 19th Dec. to 23rd Dec. 2008 at P.C.A Stadium, Mohali)
