Mohali Test: Zaheer leads Indian fight back to leave Oz reeling at 224/5 on Day One
By ANIFriday, October 1, 2010
MOHALI - Opening batsman Shane Watson slammed an unbeaten 101 against India to take Australia to 224/5 at the close of Day One of the first Test being played at Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium.
Electing to bat first, the Australian batsmen came back strongly after Zaheer took an early wicket in the form of Katich, who was caught plumb in front, shuffling across a vicious in swinger.
Watson was well supported by skipper Ricky Ponting, who got to a bright 71 before being run out to a spectacular Suresh Raina direct hit at the stumps.
Ponting was at the center of an on-field showdown when he had a heated exchange with Zaheer after being dismissed.
Tremendous bowling by the Indian spinners after tea and an inspirational reverse swing spell by Zaheer towards the end have handed the advantage to Team India at the end of the first day’s play.
Zaheer Khan was the pick of the Indian bowlers by claiming three wickets for just 45 runs in his 16-over spell.
At the end of the day’s play, Watson was unbeaten on 101 and wicket-keeper batsman Tim Paine unbeaten on one
India could have stamped their authority on the match on the first day itself, but for a few dropped catches by Dhoni, and some wayward bowling by Sharma, that allowed Australia to dominate the first half of the day.
Score card:
Auatralia 1st Innings224/5 in 90.0 Overs
Watson batting101, Katich lbw b Zaheer 6, Ponting (c)run out (Suresh Raina)71, Clarke c Rahul Dravid b Harbhajan Singh14, Michael Hussey lbw b Zaheer 17, Marcus North b Zaheer 6, Tim Paine (W) *Batting11 (ANI)
