Pujara lifts India into supremacy

Batsman scores double ton, England slump to 41 for 3.

India continued to dominate the opening Test against England with the home side posting a formidable 521 for eight before taking three wickets by stumps to leave England reeling on the second day.

The star of the day was batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who remained unbeaten on 206 after batting for 513 minutes.  The batsman hit 21 fours and became only the sixth Indian cricketer to hit a double century against England.

Later, after captain MS Dhoni declared India’s innings with 20 overs remaining in the day, England was reduced to 41 for three.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took two of the three wickets — Nick Compton (nine) and Jonathan Trott (two) in quick succession. Captain Alaistair Cook will resume with Kevin Pietersen.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2012.