Emerging Team India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara scored his second century against England in style at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera in Ahmedabad on Friday. Cricket fans were in a double delight after Virender Sehwag too notched his ton yesterday playing against the Englishmen. Meanwhile, it was Pujara’s all the while who scored 14 boundaries to reach his second ton in 190 balls during the first session on the second day of the match. His innings was laced with subtle aggression during initial stages. However, he got into a defensive mode once Sehwag has departed and steadied the Indian innings with his solid footwork.
The Indian team was unable to find a perfect match for Rahul Dravid who could replace him as the most dependable batsman. However, the emergence of Pujara as a rising star is seen as the perfect replacement for ‘The Wall’. There are some critics as well who were of the opinion that it is too early pass judgment based on just a couple of innings. It has to be reminded that Pujara has himself stated that he cannot expect anything that draws comparison between him and Dravid.
Earlier, it was on day one that Indian opener Virender Sehwag overcome his two years drought of centuries with a scintillating century against England at Ahmedabad on Thursday. Continuing his good form after striking a ton in Ranji Trophy match, Sehwag was in an absolutely punishing mood and appeared like showing fence to almost every ball unless it is great. Though the score at which he got out was a little bit disappointing on an overall. Former cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar said they it would have been much easy for the team in bettering its winning chances if only he scored a double ton.
Former bowling all-rounder Kapil Dev too has felt the same and added that Sehwag’s mindset towards the game is totally difference. It is something like people will remember Sehwag’s contribution to the game even after 100 years. As far as the stats are considered, the talented Delhi Daredevils player scored 117 runs, smashing 15 boundaries and one six in his knock as he reached his 23rd ton.
At the end of Day One’s play, Pujara was still at the crease and accompanying him was comeback man Yuvraj Singh on a dry track which has already shown signs of assisting the slow bowlers.
England too shared the honors for the first day with their off-spinner Graeme Swann did the damage for the visitors, getting all the four wickets that fell today, and pegged India back to certain extent after the frolicking start Sehwag provided to the team.
Sachin Tendulkar (13) and Virat Kohli (19) could not make any better of the 134-run partnership for the first wicket between Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir (45). It was a great disappointment to see Tendulkar getting out yet again for a paltry score. If it was not Sehwag’s ton and Pujara’s determination, then England would have been very much in the match.
