India went into the match without the Wall coming in at number 3, with no Laxman to showcase those wristy drives and with pride at stake. The Indian team had pledged to avenge the disastrous tour to England and after Day 1 of the first test they look right on track.
Virender Sehwag century give India control
Virender Sehwag was still celebrating Diwali on the pitch as he dispatched the helpless English bowlers for a run a ball century. The only English bowler who had something to say in the match was Graeme Swann as he took all of India’s wickets that fell on the day. Swann being the only specialist spinner took advantage of the slow pitch and while taking his four wickets he also went on to become the most successful English off spinner overtaking the legendary Jim Laker.
Sehwag was on fire from the word go as he drove and cut with minimal footwork but excellent timing, placement and power. At the age of 34 now Sehwag is one of the veterans in the side as only one of the very famous fabulous four now remain in the Indian Team.
Swann’s faster colleagues had a poor day as they failed to get much out of the pitch and that also now questions England’s decision not to play two spinners. Bresnan went for runs like in a limited overs match. England’s part time bowler Samit Patel chipped in with more overs than Bresnan.
India got off to a good start as the partnership of Gambhir and Sehwag found momentum at ease. This was their first centurion partnership since 2010 in Centurion. Gambhir had reached 45 before he was beaten and bowled while attempting one of his trademark drives. The score at that point was 134.
His second victim was fellow opener Sehwag as he was also bowled through the gates while attempting a sweep. Swann then dismissed the maestro Sachin cheaply for just 13 runs. Sachin lofted the ball to deep midwicket only for the ball to find Patel.
Virat Kohli who had played a watchful innings was Swann’s final victim on the first day after he too was bowled. Kohli was deceived by the flight of the ball.
The unsung hero of the day at Ahmedabad was a Gujarati – Cheteshwar Pujara. Pujara was not out on 98 at the end of play on day one. Pujara who is now filling in the shoes of the experienced Rahul Dravid will have the weight of the world on him as he knows that taking the position of one of the finest players ever will be a herculean task.
Pujara’s inning was a watchful one but had shown glimpses on why he would be a good replacement for Dravid. Pujara was let off once when he was on 8 when Anderson dropped him off Bresnan. England was also to be held responsible for their situation on the day as they made a lot of fielding errors.
As per the statistics India have never lost a match after an opening century stand and the statistics say that England have a mountain to climb if they are to even come close to the side that outplayed and dominated India at home.
Tags: 1st Test, Cricket, England, India, Virender Sehwag
