India fight back in Mohali

Watson remains defiant with unbeaten century

Last updated: 3rd October 2010  

India fight back in Mohali

Katich: Dismissed early

Related links

Teams

Also see

India finished the opening day of the first Test against Australia with a flourish after the visitors had threatened to dominate.

A Shane Watson century laid the platform for Australia but India hit back in Mohali to limit them to 224-5 at the close.

Watson (101no) and captain Ricky Ponting had put on 141 for the second wicket, but from 154-1 after 41.3 overs, Australia were pegged back.

Watson and Ponting had turned things around after Simon Katich had been trapped leg before for six in the fifth over of the day.

Ponting, who has previously struggled against India, had looked set for a big score after some delightful strokes, including 10 boundaries.

Frustrated

However his innings was brought to a sudden halt when he was run out by Suresh Raina's direct-hit - with Ponting and Zaheer exchanging words as he left.

That helped India find a foothold back into the game, as the runs dried up and the wickets fell.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke was caught by Rahul Dravid off Harbhajan Singh for 14, while Mike Hussey and Marcus North both fell cheaply to Zaheer.

Runs in the final session were at a premium - with Australia managing just 45 as India turned the screw.

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, in particular, was able to frustrate the tourists as he conceded just 39 runs off 31 overs.

Watson, though, remained defiant to reach his century before the end of the day - although India were guilty of dropping him twice.

Watson's 279-ball stand included eight fours, with the opener set to start the second day with Tim Paine alongside him.

India v Australia. Click here to bet.

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private