CRICKET: Cheteshwar Pujara, brought in as a replacement for Rahul Dravid, struck his maiden Test century to put India in command on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand yesterday.
Pujara’s unbeaten 119 took the hosts to 307 for five at the close after winning the toss. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29) was the other not-out batsman.
Batting in the number three spot vacated by the recently-retired Dravid, the 24-year-old Pujara displayed a cool temperament akin to his predecessor as he came in for his fourth Test match and his first since January 2011.
“I wanted to score a 100 on my debut but somehow I missed out so I am really satisfied I’ve now got it,” said Pujara who made 72 in his first Test appearance against Australia in 2010.”
Pujara hit 15 fours and a six during his 226-ball stay.
He added 125 for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli (58) as India overcame the loss of Gautam Gambhir (22), Virender Sehwag (47) and Sachin Tendulkar (19).
