2nd Test: Vijay, Pujara punish Australia

Pair scores centuries to propel India to 311 for one.

India consolidated their dominance on the second day of the Hyderabad Test as opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara scored unbeaten centuries to help the hosts achieve a 74-run lead against Australia.

Pujara accumulated an impressive 162 while Vijay posted 129 runs to lead India to 311 for one. The pair finished with a partnership of 294 runs for the second-wicket stand.

A delighted Vijay said his aim was to stay at the wicket for as long as possible.

“It is always wonderful to get a good start for the team,” said Vijay, according to NDTV. “A partnership like this doesn’t happen all the time. We really cherished it. Pujara played very well.

“The last Test hit me very hard because I gave away my wicket in the second innings. I just wanted to stay at the wicket as long as possible. So that was my intention. It doesn’t matter how the wicket is. I am happy that I gave a good start to the team.”

The 28-year-old from Tamil Nadu admitted that there was pressure on him.

“I don’t take things from outside but I was thinking to come out of the mistakes I made in the first Test. I was preparing myself to fight out as long as possible. I wanted to stay and not give away my wicket.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2013.