Kohli and Pujara plunder centuries as India take honours on opening day of second test
Home side reach 317 for four at stumps against England with fit-again paceman James Anderson taking three wickets
Skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara hit centuries to help India take opening day honours as they reached 317 for four at stumps against England in the second cricket test in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
Kohli put on a marathon 226-run stand for the third wicket with Pujara (119) after the hosts lost their openers early to the England seamers.
Fit-again paceman James Anderson enjoyed his return with three wickets only to see the rest of the English attack face a tough time after the hosts opted to bat first.
Kohli was unbeaten on 151 at stumps after getting a life on 56 when Adil Rashid dropped him at long leg off Ben Stokes.
The star batsman mixed the right dose of caution and aggression to thwart the English bowling attack at India’s newest test venue.
Bringing up his 10th test ton with a six off leg-spinner Rashid, the in-form Pujara tackled the English bowlers with aplomb.
Pujara, who scored 124 in the first innings in Rajkot, dominated play during his 204-ball knock, laced with 12 fours and two sixes, before being caught behind off Anderson.
“I just wanted to continue that form and once both of us were set, we just wanted to capitalise on the situation,” Pujara said.
Kohli carried on the good work in the company of Ajinkya Rahane (23) who lost his cool in the penultimate over of the day as Anderson struck with the second new ball.
“It was great, I’ve spent the last two months working really hard trying to get back into this side,” said Anderson, who has recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him out since August.
“It has been frustrating at times but it has been worth it and worth all the hard work that I’ve put in.
“And getting back out there with the lads is a great feeling and to get on the board with a couple of wickets was even better.”
In a light moment, a stray dog forced the umpires to call tea four balls early due to it appearing from behind the sight screen and evading attempts to chase it from the field.