Pujara ton guides India to healthy total

HYDERABAD – Cheteshwar Pujara and Mahendra Singh Dhoni added 127 runs for the sixth wicket before New Zealand battled back to polish off the tail, dismissing the hosts for a first innings 438 on the second day of the opening test on Friday.Pujara (159) and Dhoni (73) both fell trying to attack off-spinner Jeetan Patel, who finished with four for 100, as the hosts lost their last wicket on the stroke of tea. Left-arm paceman Trent Boult chipped in with figures of 3-93.Resuming on their overnight score of 307-5, Pujara and Dhoni enjoyed a trouble-free morning session, which was delayed for 25 minutes due to the threat of rain.Batting at the number three spot vacated by the recently retired Rahul Dravid, the 24-year-old Pujara continued to display the cool temperament that took him to a maiden test century in his fourth appearance for India.Showing little sign of rustiness in his first test in more than 18 months, he finally fell when trying to smash Patel down the ground but only succeeded in picking out James Franklin, who pouched a well-judged catch at mid-on.Pujara hit 19 boundaries and a six during his 306-ball stay at the crease.India skipper Dhoni, who hit six fours and a six, fell in similar fashion trying to plunder quick runs from the off-spinner, only to be caught out mid-off.Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin contributed with a cameo of 37, including five boundaries, to further boost India’s total before New Zealand fought back to restrict the total to less than 450.

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Pujara ton guides India to healthy total