Pujara stands in England’s way (Tea Report)

Mumbai, Nov 23 (IANS) Cheteshwar Pujara kept the fight on for India, who reached 167 for five at tea on day one of the second Test against England here Friday.

Pujara (77) continued to impress and stitched an unbeaten 49−run stand with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (27) after India lost half their side for 119 runs. The hosts lost Virat Kohli (19) and Yuvraj Singh (0) in the post−lunch session, scoring 80 runs in 32 overs.

The pitch at the Wankhede stadium is behaving much like the way Dhoni wanted. The sharp bounce and turn for the spinners was a lot more evident than during the morning session.

Kohli became Monty Panesar’s (3/64) third scalp, the left−arm spinner flighting the ball to induce the batsman into an expansive drive, resulting in a simple catch at cover.

Yuvraj perished on the second ball he faced, missing one off Graeme Swann (1/40) that turned enough to go past the southpaw’s defence.

Earlier, a double strike by Panesar ensured England topped the first session.

Pujara (38) and Kohli (6) were at the crease as India made 87 for three in 28 overs.

Fast bowler James Anderson (1/29) got England the breakthrough off the second ball of the match, Gautam Gambhir (4) playing across the line against an inswinger to be adjudged leg before wicket.

Panesar, playing his first game of the series, put his team in a good position by dismissing the dangerous Virender Sehwag (30) and Sachin Tendulkar (8).

Sehwag, featuring in his 100th Test, missed a straight one to find his stumps disturbed while Tendulkar was bowled off a ball that turned sharply.

IANS 2012-11-23 15:18:19