Gambhir century grinds Australia

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Gambhir century grinds Australia


Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag helped India to 230 for 2, a lead of 431, and made sure the platform built over three days was not wasted. Gambhir finally converted a start into a second Test hundred, and first against anyone but Bangladesh, adding 182 with Sehwag, who made 90. India scored at five runs per over to finish the first session firmly in control, with a declaration imminent.
Both openers found the gaps in the field with ease, as Ricky Ponting began with a defensive mindset. Gambhir treated the fans to some striking flicks through midwicket, and Sehwag was obviously looking to get on with matters. The ball didn't always come onto the bat but Sehwag repeatedly tried to whip it away between midwicket and mid-on. Soft-handed drops in front of the fielders earned Sehwag and Gambhir cheeky singles, and the intent was clear. Brett Lee, who injured two fingers yesterday, did not bowl and Mitchell Johnson was off key, so runs came at a good clip.
Gambhir started frantically, searching for tip-and-runs towards Michael Clarke in the covers, and was fortunate to survive when a thick edge off Cameron White lobbed off the wicketkeeper's pads and was spilled by Matthew Hayden at slip. There was nothing fortuitous, however, about a twinkle-toed six off White that sailed over long-on. Gambhir scored a number of his runs on the leg side and down the ground as the bowlers strayed in both line and length. There were also square-drives and steers through gully on view as he sped past fifty and towards a century.