Sehwag century spurs India against S.Africa |
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Friday March 28, 12:49 PM
CHENNAI (Reuters) - Virender Sehwag smashed his 14th test century to lead a strong Indian reply against South Africa on the third day of the first test on Friday.
Sehwag scored a century in his second successive test to remain unbeaten on 110, carrying the hosts to 176 without loss at lunch in reply to South Africa's first innings 540 all out.
Fellow opener Wasim Jaffer was on 60 as the hosts added 94 runs in the morning session, still 364 runs behind South Africa's total.
Sehwag, who made 151 in the drawn final test against Australia in Adelaide in January, lofted Jacques Kallis over midwicket and mid-off for two fours in one over to reach triple figures in just 116 balls. He struck 16 fours and a six.
After the home bowlers toiled on a flat Chennai pitch for almost two days, it was the turn of the tourists to struggle as the Indian openers kept the scoreboard ticking without trouble.
Sehwag, on 52 in the overnight total of 82 for no loss, clipped fast bowler Dale Steyn and Kallis off his hips to fine leg for fours, opening partner Jaffer content to rotate the strike at the other end.
Jaffer, who had made way for Sehwag in the last two tests in Australia after a poor run of form, mixed elegant drives with a few nervous nudges past the slip cordon but held on.
South Africa number three Hashim Amla top-scored with a superb 159 on Thursday after a century partnership by openers Neil McKenzie (94) and skipper Graeme Smith (73).
The second and third tests will be played in Ahmedabad and Kanpur respectively.
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