Sport | Cricket
Gambhir century gives India the edge
Opener Gautam Gambhir hit his third century in four tests to lead India to 179 for one on the truncated first day of the second and final test against England on Friday.
- Opener Gautam Gambhir Gambhir century gives India the edge at Mohali
- Published: 18:08 December 19, 2008
Mohali, India: Opener Gautam Gambhir hit his third century in four tests to lead India to 179 for one on the truncated first day of the second and final test against England on Friday.
The in-form Gambhir struck 106 not out and added 173 runs for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid to lift the hosts out of early trouble after skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to bat in overcast conditions.
Dravid shook off his poor form by scoring an unbeaten 65 after opener Virender Sehwag fell to Stuart Broad for a third-ball duck in the morning's second over.
Gambhir struck 12 fours and a straight six against off spinner Graeme Swann, reaching his hundred after tea.
"I think we've done a very good job, considering the wicket and the kind of fast bowlers they have," said Gambhir. "It's up to us to capitalise tomorrow."
Play was called off with 18 overs remaining because of poor light, which had also delayed the start by 20 minutes.
Gambhir had scored a match-winning 104 in the second test against Australia at Mohali in October and 206 in the drawn third test in New Delhi.
He then made 66 in Chennai, after sitting out the last test against Australia due to a disciplinary ban. India won that series 2-0.
England coach Peter Moores said he hoped his bowlers could turn things around on the second morning.
"Anytime you keep a side under three an over you know if you get two quick wickets you are back in the game," he said.
"We'll come back tomorrow morning with the same thought. If we get two in the first half hour we'll be right back in the game."
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