Gambhir, Pujara slam tons against West Indies A

Hubli, Oct 10 (IANS) Opener Gautam Gambhir marked his return to form with a century (123, 236b, 11×4) as did skipper Cheteshwar Pujara (139 batting, 228b, 15×4) as the duo with a 207-run third-wicket partnership helped India A take a 66-run lead over the West Indies A on the second day of their four-day match here Thursday.

Replying to the visitors’ score of 268, the Indians were 334 for three at stumps as both Gambhir and Pujara piled on agony for the West Indies, who lead the three-match series 1-0.

Gambhir, out of the Indian team after a string of poor scores, batted with determination as he and Pujara, also short of runs in this series, helped themselves to centuries while the Windies bowlers toiled for meagre gains.

Gambhir eventually fell to off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine, one of the eight bowlers that the Windies used while Virender Sehwag, coming in at No.4, too looked to be in a good nick as he raced to 38 off 49 balls before falling to left-arm spinner Nikita Miller.

Brief scores:

West Indies A (1st innings): 268 all out vs India A (1st innings): 334 for 3 in 95 overs (Gautam Gambhir 123, Cheteshwar Pujara 139 batting, Virender Sehwag 38)