Daijiworld Media Network
Kolkata, Nov 15: The Indian top order on Monday November 14 played brilliantly to close the first day of the second cricket test match against West Indies at 346 for the loss of five wickets.
In the last few minutes of the play India lost the well-settled 'Wall' Rahul Dravid for 119. Nigh watchman Ishant Sharma could not do his duty and departed for no score. At the end of the play, VVS Laxman was batting at 73 and Yuvraj was yet open his account.
Earlier, India won the toss and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to bat first. Exploring excellent pitch conditions, star openers Sehwag and Gambhir collected 66 runs for the first wicket, before Sehwag was out for 38. Gambhir too played brilliantly to score 65.
Millions of Indians were hoping that cricket God Sachin Tendulkar would score his magic 100th century. But once again there was pin-drop silence in the stadium and among his fans when he got out for 38.
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid played like champions and saved the team from further collapse. Looking at the pitch and Laxman's form, another century seems to be on cards.
For West Indies, Edwards, Roache, Sammy, Bishoo and Braithwet claimed a wicket each.
On Monday, Rahul Dravid became the highest run getter in 2011 in test cricket. He surpassed Ian Bell of England who scored 950 runs in eight test matches (11 innings). Dravid has amassed 952 runs in 10 test matches (19 innings).
The 38-year-old 'Wall' scored five centuries this year, two against West Indies and three against England.
It was the 36th test century for Rahul Dravid.
In another interesting statistics, India's offspinner R Ashwin joined Don Bradman's club - not for his cricketing skills but for playing a test match the very next day after his wedding!
In 1932 Australian cricket legend Don Bradman married Jessi on April 30 and played a match against Canada without going on honeymoon!