Skipper Virat Kohli&#39;s experiment to replace opener Shikhar Dhawan with KL Rahul for the second Test against South Africa, did not bear any fruit for the team.&nbsp;

Rahul, who opened with Murli Vijay, was sent back to the pavilion after being dismissed at 10 by Morne Morkel.

Minutes later, Cheteshwar Pujara was run out by Lungi Ngidi and had to move back to the dressing room without opening his account.&nbsp;

Similiar to the first Test, South Africa has an upper hand with two dismissed for just 52 runs after bowling 15.3 overs on the second day of the second Test match.

But Ishant Sharma, who replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was proved beneficial after he took three wickets including of Faf du Plessis, who scored 63 runs for his team.

Sharma struck twice in the early hours of Day 2 to restrict Proteas to 335 runs in their first innings.&nbsp;

The Indian team management replaced wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and opener Shikhar Dhawan with Parthiv Patel and KL Rahul, after they failed to play along with the bouncers and seaming conditions. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;

After Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara was also run out by the Lungi Ngidi

Skipper Virat Kohli's experiment to replace opener Shikhar Dhawan with KL Rahul for the second Test against South Africa, did not bear any fruit for the team. Rahul, who opened with Murli Vijay, was sent back to the pavilion after being dismissed at 10 by Morne Morkel. Minutes later, Cheteshwar Pujara was run out by Lungi Ngidi and had to move back to the dressing room without opening his account. Similiar to the first Test, South Africa has an upper hand with two dismissed for just 52 runs after bowling 15.3 overs on the second day of the second Test match. But Ishant Sharma, who replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was proved beneficial after he took three wickets including of Faf du Plessis, who scored 63 runs for his team. Sharma struck twice in the early hours of Day 2 to restrict Proteas to 335 runs in their first innings. The Indian team management replaced wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha and opener Shikhar Dhawan with Parthiv Patel and KL Rahul, after they failed to play along with the bouncers and seaming conditions.

Virat Kohli's experiment of replacing Dhawan with Rahul fails, India 52/2 after 15.3 overs

Cheteshwar Pujara, a vital cog in India&#39;s batting wheel, today stressed on the importance of leaving the ball on the bouncy pitches of South Africa during the three-Test series beginning here on Friday.

India lost the series 0-1 on the previous tour of South Africa four years ago but Pujara was amongst the runs alongside Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.

&quot;It is important to leave the ball well, especially overseas. Once you move out of Asia, there is enough bounce in the pitches and that is the reason one should be able to leave the ball,&quot; said Pujara after a practice session here.

The gritty 29-year-old has gained valuable experience from his two trips to South Africa, and goes into his third series here in a positive frame of mind.

&quot;It (the adjustment) is both technical and mental. The good thing is that most of the players have been here before. Personally, I have been here twice (2010-11 and 2013-14). It is about knowing your game, knowing the conditions and you just need to apply yourself.&quot;

India arrived here four days ago and go into the first Test without playing a warm-up match.

Asked if the players feel rusty, Pujara replied in the negative.

&quot;See, when we were playing at home against Sri Lanka, we had the South Africa series in our minds. We had prepared few things even in India. I don&#39;t think we are in any rush, there is plenty of time to prepare.&quot;

Indian batsmen struggled in the Sri Lanka series when they played on bowling friendly tracks in Kolkata and Dharamsala.

The moving ball is not so much a factor in South Africa, it is the bounce.

&quot;Yes, there will be some bounce and that is always a challenge. But this time we have have enough preparation and we would like to back ourselves and try and execute the things which we have done over the past one and a half months.&quot;

Pujara said majority of the squad members have played here and that experience will come handy.

&quot;I think the experience is most important. You know what to expect from the pitch, what to expect from the opposition. Nothing can match the experience of scoring on such pitches. You know what you want to do as a batsman and even as a team,&quot; said India&#39;s number three.

The team has been training intensely at the Western Province Cricket Club. Pujara was pleased with the preparation so far.

&quot;Preparation has been fantastic. We have had three net session so far and twice we had two sessions in a day. We are very confident of our chances,&quot; he said adding the team is determined to win their maiden series in South Africa.

Considering the unusual drought Cape Town is experiencing, the Newlands pitch might not get the amount of water needed to have a fast and bouncy track over five days.

However, Pujara is not losing sleep over the kind of pitches Indian batsmen will get to play on.

&quot;We are not bothered about the kind of pitches they will prepare. We will just try to focus on our processes. We have a clear gameplan, if it is a flat wicket or a grassy one,&quot; he said.

He refused to speak on the opposition&#39;s strengths and weaknesses, saying his team is well balanced for the challenge.

&quot;It is up to South Africa how they want to prepare. It doesn&#39;t matter who plays for them. As a unit we are well prepared. Our pace attack is also much better this time. They are quick. We have that advantage this time,&quot; said Pujara.

India have picked five specialist pacers for the series with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being the sixth fast bowing option.

Pujara backed the pace department to do the job for the team.

&quot;I can mention the Australia Test series at home. Our pacers picked so many wickets even though the pitches were flat. There will be lot of assistance here and I am sure they have made their gameplans by now.&quot;

India will also tour England and Australia over the next 18 months, giving the current team a great opportunity to become one of the greatest Indian sides of all time. Pujara acknowledged that prospect.

&quot;Yes, we have that opportunity. If we do well here and in England and Australia. We have a team which can dominate overseas and it will be one of the best teams India have ever had (if we do well in South Africa, England and Australia),&quot; he added.

India lost the series 0-1 on the previous tour of South Africa four years ago

Cheteshwar Pujara, a vital cog in India's batting wheel, today stressed on the importance of leaving the ball on the bouncy pitches of South Africa during the three-Test series beginning here on Friday. India lost the series 0-1 on the previous tour of South Africa four years ago but Pujara was amongst the runs alongside Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. "It is important to leave the ball well, especially overseas. Once you move out of Asia, there is enough bounce in the pitches and that is the reason one should be able to leave the ball," said Pujara after a practice session here. The gritty 29-year-old has gained valuable experience from his two trips to South Africa, and goes into his third series here in a positive frame of mind. "It (the adjustment) is both technical and mental. The good thing is that most of the players have been here before. Personally, I have been here twice (2010-11 and 2013-14). It is about knowing your game, knowing the conditions and you just need to apply yourself." India arrived here four days ago and go into the first Test without playing a warm-up match. Asked if the players feel rusty, Pujara replied in the negative. "See, when we were playing at home against Sri Lanka, we had the South Africa series in our minds. We had prepared few things even in India. I don't think we are in any rush, there is plenty of time to prepare." Indian batsmen struggled in the Sri Lanka series when they played on bowling friendly tracks in Kolkata and Dharamsala. The moving ball is not so much a factor in South Africa, it is the bounce. "Yes, there will be some bounce and that is always a challenge. But this time we have have enough preparation and we would like to back ourselves and try and execute the things which we have done over the past one and a half months." Pujara said majority of the squad members have played here and that experience will come handy. "I think the experience is most important. You know what to expect from the pitch, what to expect from the opposition. Nothing can match the experience of scoring on such pitches. You know what you want to do as a batsman and even as a team," said India's number three. The team has been training intensely at the Western Province Cricket Club. Pujara was pleased with the preparation so far. "Preparation has been fantastic. We have had three net session so far and twice we had two sessions in a day. We are very confident of our chances," he said adding the team is determined to win their maiden series in South Africa. Considering the unusual drought Cape Town is experiencing, the Newlands pitch might not get the amount of water needed to have a fast and bouncy track over five days. However, Pujara is not losing sleep over the kind of pitches Indian batsmen will get to play on. "We are not bothered about the kind of pitches they will prepare. We will just try to focus on our processes. We have a clear gameplan, if it is a flat wicket or a grassy one," he said. He refused to speak on the opposition's strengths and weaknesses, saying his team is well balanced for the challenge. "It is up to South Africa how they want to prepare. It doesn't matter who plays for them. As a unit we are well prepared. Our pace attack is also much better this time. They are quick. We have that advantage this time," said Pujara. India have picked five specialist pacers for the series with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being the sixth fast bowing option. Pujara backed the pace department to do the job for the team. "I can mention the Australia Test series at home. Our pacers picked so many wickets even though the pitches were flat. There will be lot of assistance here and I am sure they have made their gameplans by now." India will also tour England and Australia over the next 18 months, giving the current team a great opportunity to become one of the greatest Indian sides of all time. Pujara acknowledged that prospect. "Yes, we have that opportunity. If we do well here and in England and Australia. We have a team which can dominate overseas and it will be one of the best teams India have ever had (if we do well in South Africa, England and Australia)," he added.

It is important to leave the ball well: Cheteshwar Pujara on SA challenge

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Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara jumped a couple of rungs to second, while skipper Virat Kohli held on to the fifth spot in the latest ICC rankings for Test batsmen, issued here today.

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Indonesian authorities on Tuesday extended the closure of the international airport on the resort island of Bali for a second day over fears of a volcanic eruption. Bali&#39;s Ngurah Rai airport will remain closed until at least Wednesday morning local time.&nbsp;

GES Live Updates: I was extremely excited to come to Hyderabad, the IT hub - Ivanka Trump US President daughter Donald Trump's daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump is leading American delegation of officials, women entrepreneurs and businessmen for the three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 in Hyderabad. Pope Francis meets Aung San Suu Kyi, avoids using the term 'Rohingya' A day after meeting the military chief, Pope Francis met Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi at the presidential palace in Naypyidaw today. The Pope avoided using the term "Rohingya" during the address to the nation which was closely watched by the mainly Buddhist population of the country. Watch: PM Modi inaugurates Hyderabad Metro, CM KC Rao, Governor Narasimhan join inaugural ride Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of Hyderabad Metro project today, he also took a ride along with Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao and Governer ESL Narasimhan. ICC Test rankings: Pujara climbs to 2nd spot, Kohli stays at 5th Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara jumped a couple of rungs to second, while skipper Virat Kohli held on to the fifth spot in the latest ICC rankings for Test batsmen, issued here today. Bali airport closed for second day over fears of volcano eruption Indonesian authorities on Tuesday extended the closure of the international airport on the resort island of Bali for a second day over fears of a volcanic eruption. Bali's Ngurah Rai airport will remain closed until at least Wednesday morning local time.

WION Evening News Brief, November 28, 2017

India captain Virat Kohli joined Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara in registering a hundred as the hosts pummelled a toothless Sri Lanka attack to grab a commanding lead on the third day of the second test in Nagpur on Sunday.

There was no respite for the touring side&#39;s bowlers as India went to the tea break on 507 for four in their first innings, stretching their lead to 302 at the interval.

Kohli was unbeaten on 170 after compiling his 19th test hundred with Rohit Sharma celebrating his return to the side after over a year with an unbeaten 51.

The world&#39;s top-ranked test side had not lost a wicket in the first two sessions on Saturday and Kohli and Pujara extended their misery in the morning session with their third-wicket stand of 183.

Sri Lanka barely managed to trouble Kohli and Pujara as the duo picked up singles and twos at will, mixing them with the occasional boundaries after resuming the day on 312-2.

India lost Pujara for 143 shortly before lunch when all-rounder Dasun Shanaka breached the right-hander&#39;s defence to rattle the stumps.

Kohli flicked Suranga Lakmal for a single for back-to-back hundreds in the series after his unbeaten century in the second innings of the drawn first test in Kolkata.

It was the 10th hundred in 2017 across formats for India&#39;s batting mainstay who hit a six over the long-on fielder against off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to get past 150. He has also hit 14 fours in his 223-ball knock so far.

Sri Lanka would have hoped for a better second session after Perera dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for two shortly after lunch but Kohli and Rohit denied them with another flourishing partnership.

The duo have already added 97 for the fifth wicket and more punishment awaits the Sri Lankan bowlers in the final session.

Sri Lanka barely managed to trouble Kohli and Pujara as the duo picked up singles and twos at will, mixing them with the occasional boundaries after resuming the day on 312-2.

India captain Virat Kohli joined Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara in registering a hundred as the hosts pummelled a toothless Sri Lanka attack to grab a commanding lead on the third day of the second test in Nagpur on Sunday. There was no respite for the touring side's bowlers as India went to the tea break on 507 for four in their first innings, stretching their lead to 302 at the interval. Kohli was unbeaten on 170 after compiling his 19th test hundred with Rohit Sharma celebrating his return to the side after over a year with an unbeaten 51. The world's top-ranked test side had not lost a wicket in the first two sessions on Saturday and Kohli and Pujara extended their misery in the morning session with their third-wicket stand of 183. Sri Lanka barely managed to trouble Kohli and Pujara as the duo picked up singles and twos at will, mixing them with the occasional boundaries after resuming the day on 312-2. India lost Pujara for 143 shortly before lunch when all-rounder Dasun Shanaka breached the right-hander's defence to rattle the stumps. Kohli flicked Suranga Lakmal for a single for back-to-back hundreds in the series after his unbeaten century in the second innings of the drawn first test in Kolkata. It was the 10th hundred in 2017 across formats for India's batting mainstay who hit a six over the long-on fielder against off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to get past 150. He has also hit 14 fours in his 223-ball knock so far. Sri Lanka would have hoped for a better second session after Perera dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for two shortly after lunch but Kohli and Rohit denied them with another flourishing partnership. The duo have already added 97 for the fifth wicket and more punishment awaits the Sri Lankan bowlers in the final session.

2nd Test: Kohli scores double hundred as India stretch lead past 300

India reached 507 for four at tea on day three of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today.

Virat Kohli was batting on 170, while Rohit Sharma was unbeaten on 51.

Brief scores

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 205

India 1st innings: 507 for 4 in 157 overs (Virat Kohli 170 batting, Cheteshwar Pujara 143, Murali Vijay 128; Lahiru Gamage 1/79). PTI CM

India reached 507 for four at tea on day three of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today. Virat Kohli was batting on 170, while Rohit Sharma was unbeaten on 51. Brief scores Sri Lanka 1st innings: 205 India 1st innings: 507 for 4 in 157 overs (Virat Kohli 170 batting, Cheteshwar Pujara 143, Murali Vijay 128; Lahiru Gamage 1/79). PTI CM

2nd Test, Day 3: India 507/4 at tea

Virat Kohli hit a century as India reached 404-3 at lunch to lead Sri Lanka by 199 runs on day three of the second Test in Nagpur on Sunday.

Overnight batsmen Kohli, batting on 123, and Cheteshwar Pujara put on 183 to compound Sri Lanka&#39;s misery after the home side started the day on 312-2.

Pujara was finally bowled by paceman Dasun Shanaka for 143 a little before the break. Ajinkya Rahane had joined skipper Kohli at the crease.

Overnight batsmen Kohli, batting on 123, and Cheteshwar Pujara put on 183 to compound Sri Lanka's misery after the home side started the day on 312-2

Virat Kohli hit a century as India reached 404-3 at lunch to lead Sri Lanka by 199 runs on day three of the second Test in Nagpur on Sunday. Overnight batsmen Kohli, batting on 123, and Cheteshwar Pujara put on 183 to compound Sri Lanka's misery after the home side started the day on 312-2. Pujara was finally bowled by paceman Dasun Shanaka for 143 a little before the break. Ajinkya Rahane had joined skipper Kohli at the crease.

2nd Test, Day 3: India 404/3 at lunch, lead Lanka by 199 runs

Indian middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara became the third Indian cricketer after Ravi Shastri and ML Jaisimha to have batted in all five days of a Test match&nbsp;against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens on Monday.

Cheteshwar Pujara equalled&nbsp;India&#39;s current coach Ravi Shastri&#39;s record set in 1984 against England at Kolkata and Jaisimha&#39;s record effort against Australia in 1960 in the same venue.

The other batsmen who have batted in all five days of a Test match include England&#39;s Geoff Boycott,&nbsp;Allan Lamb and&nbsp;Andrew Flintoff, Australia&#39;s Kim Hughes, West Indies great Adrian Griffith&nbsp;and South Africa&#39;s Alviro Petersen.

Jaisimha&#39;s 20 not out and 74 against Australia at Kolkata in January, 1960 was the first time a batsman had batted on all five days. &nbsp;Alviro Petersen was the last batsman in March, 2012 who created a similar record against New Zealand at Wellington.

The only batsman to have created the record against India was England&nbsp;all-rounder Andrew Flintoff at Mohali in March 2006.

Cheteshwar Pujara broke India's current coach Ravi Shastri's record set in 1984 against England at Kolkata and Jaisimha's record effort against Australia

Indian middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara became the third Indian cricketer after Ravi Shastri and ML Jaisimha to have batted in all five days of a Test match against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Cheteshwar Pujara equalled India's current coach Ravi Shastri's record set in 1984 against England at Kolkata and Jaisimha's record effort against Australia in 1960 in the same venue. The other batsmen who have batted in all five days of a Test match include England's Geoff Boycott, Allan Lamb and Andrew Flintoff, Australia's Kim Hughes, West Indies great Adrian Griffith and South Africa's Alviro Petersen. Jaisimha's 20 not out and 74 against Australia at Kolkata in January, 1960 was the first time a batsman had batted on all five days. Alviro Petersen was the last batsman in March, 2012 who created a similar record against New Zealand at Wellington. The only batsman to have created the record against India was England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff at Mohali in March 2006.

Kolkata Test: Pujara bats on all five days, equals Shastri, Jaisimha's record

Cheteshwar Pujara came to India&#39;s rescue after Sri Lankan seamer Dasun Shanaka&#39;s twin strike had left the hosts gasping at 74 for five on a second consecutive rain-curtailed day of the opening cricket Test, here today.

After Suranga Lakmal&#39;s (3/5) exploits on the first day of the rain-affected series opener, it was Shanaka&#39;s turn to steal the limelight today as he removed Ajinkya Rahane (4) and Ravichandran Ashwin (4) to return with impressive figures of 2 for 23.

Pujara was the lone Indian batsmen to produce some fight against the Sri Lankan bowling attack on a green top in overcast conditions.

Pujara displayed impeccable defensive technique again and struck only the errant deliveries to score during his unbeaten 47-run knock.

Shanaka took both the wickets in the morning but Pujara anchored India&#39;s first innings on testing overcast conditions at the Eden Gardens.

Coming on to bat at the score of eight, Pujara faced 102 deliveries and struck nine fours in his knock, three runs away from what could be a memorable half-century as the India No 3 built his innings with supreme resolve.

He patiently waited for loose balls as the visitors got a maximum purchase from Eden&#39;s green top, brilliantly aided by the overcast conditions.

Shanaka struck in his third over when he tempted Rahane for a drive and got a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. Next, he evicted Ashwin after setting him up brilliantly as Pujara struggled to get a partnership going.

Overnight 17/3 after Lakmal&#39;s sensational bowling display, Indians were tested in the off-stump corridor by the Lankan pacer&#39;s probing length and bounce.

Indians preferred to take Lakmal with extreme caution as the Lankan new-ball bowler finally ended his overnight spell from the High Court end for 11-9-5-3.

On 24, Pujara was hit on his bottom hand -- bowling hand -- thumb by a rising short pitched delivery from Lahiru Gamage as he flung his gloves in pain in the 25th over.

In the next over, Pujara lost Ashwin as Shanaka set him up with a bouncer and followed it with a good length delivery that was cut straight to point by the Indian off-spinner.

But Pujara remained unperturbed and looked for loose deliveries and scored mainly through boundaries before the first session was halted by rain.

Lunch was taken 10 minutes ahead of schedule while it started pouring in the middle.

The heavens continued to pour, which meant no play was possible after lunch forcing the umpires to call off day&#39;s proceedings prematurely again.

After just 11.5 overs were bowled yesterday, the Sri Lankan bowlers managed to get through 21 overs today.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara came to India's rescue after Sri Lankan seamer Dasun Shanaka's twin strike had left the hosts gasping at 74 for five on a second consecutive rain-curtailed day of the opening cricket Test, here today

Cheteshwar Pujara came to India's rescue after Sri Lankan seamer Dasun Shanaka's twin strike had left the hosts gasping at 74 for five on a second consecutive rain-curtailed day of the opening cricket Test, here today. After Suranga Lakmal's (3/5) exploits on the first day of the rain-affected series opener, it was Shanaka's turn to steal the limelight today as he removed Ajinkya Rahane (4) and Ravichandran Ashwin (4) to return with impressive figures of 2 for 23. Pujara was the lone Indian batsmen to produce some fight against the Sri Lankan bowling attack on a green top in overcast conditions. Pujara displayed impeccable defensive technique again and struck only the errant deliveries to score during his unbeaten 47-run knock. Shanaka took both the wickets in the morning but Pujara anchored India's first innings on testing overcast conditions at the Eden Gardens. Coming on to bat at the score of eight, Pujara faced 102 deliveries and struck nine fours in his knock, three runs away from what could be a memorable half-century as the India No 3 built his innings with supreme resolve. He patiently waited for loose balls as the visitors got a maximum purchase from Eden's green top, brilliantly aided by the overcast conditions. Shanaka struck in his third over when he tempted Rahane for a drive and got a thin edge to the wicketkeeper. Next, he evicted Ashwin after setting him up brilliantly as Pujara struggled to get a partnership going. Overnight 17/3 after Lakmal's sensational bowling display, Indians were tested in the off-stump corridor by the Lankan pacer's probing length and bounce. Indians preferred to take Lakmal with extreme caution as the Lankan new-ball bowler finally ended his overnight spell from the High Court end for 11-9-5-3. On 24, Pujara was hit on his bottom hand -- bowling hand -- thumb by a rising short pitched delivery from Lahiru Gamage as he flung his gloves in pain in the 25th over. In the next over, Pujara lost Ashwin as Shanaka set him up with a bouncer and followed it with a good length delivery that was cut straight to point by the Indian off-spinner. But Pujara remained unperturbed and looked for loose deliveries and scored mainly through boundaries before the first session was halted by rain. Lunch was taken 10 minutes ahead of schedule while it started pouring in the middle. The heavens continued to pour, which meant no play was possible after lunch forcing the umpires to call off day's proceedings prematurely again. After just 11.5 overs were bowled yesterday, the Sri Lankan bowlers managed to get through 21 overs today.

1st Test: Pujara fights on as India wobble to 74/5 on rain-hit 2nd day

India&#39;s Cheteshwar Pujara struck his twelfth Test century and Shikhar Dhawan hit a stylish 190 as India reached 323/6 in the post-lunch session against Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Galle.

Pujara reached his century in just 173 balls striking nine boundaries to take India to a position of strength after captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first.

India lost their first wicket early as Abhinav Mukund fell after scoring just 12(2 boundaries) but&nbsp;after that it was a complete <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/1st-test-how-pujara-dhawan-put-slayed-lanka-380">Dhawan and Pujara show as the two put on 253 runs for the second wicket</a> to put India on top at Galle.

Shikhar Dhawan played a hurricane knock hitting 190 in just 168 balls with 31 boundaries as Pujara gave him company at the other end. Dhawan reached his half-century in just 62 balls studded with six boundaries as India reached 115/1 at lunch.

The Indian opener fell in the 55th over the day to Pradeep caught by Mathews. Pujara was joined by captain Virat Kohli who failed to make an impression falling for just 3 as he became Pradeep&#39;s third victim of the day.

At stumps on Day-1, India was 399/3 &nbsp;

Pujara was still at the crease&nbsp;unbeaten on 144(12 boundaries in 247 balls) with Rihane giving him company at the other end batting on 39(94 balls, one boundary).

Cheteshwar Pujara and Shikhar Dhawan hit centuries as India dominated Day-1 of the first Test at Galle

India's Cheteshwar Pujara struck his twelfth Test century and Shikhar Dhawan hit a stylish 190 as India reached 323/6 in the post-lunch session against Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Galle. Pujara reached his century in just 173 balls striking nine boundaries to take India to a position of strength after captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first. India lost their first wicket early as Abhinav Mukund fell after scoring just 12(2 boundaries) but after that it was a complete Dhawan and Pujara show as the two put on 253 runs for the second wicket to put India on top at Galle. Shikhar Dhawan played a hurricane knock hitting 190 in just 168 balls with 31 boundaries as Pujara gave him company at the other end. Dhawan reached his half-century in just 62 balls studded with six boundaries as India reached 115/1 at lunch. The Indian opener fell in the 55th over the day to Pradeep caught by Mathews. Pujara was joined by captain Virat Kohli who failed to make an impression falling for just 3 as he became Pradeep's third victim of the day. At stumps on Day-1, India was 399/3 Pujara was still at the crease unbeaten on 144(12 boundaries in 247 balls) with Rihane giving him company at the other end batting on 39(94 balls, one boundary).

1st Test: Pujara, Dhawan hit centuries to put India on top against Lanka

India&#39;s cricket team have been given a significant pay rise, with the world&#39;s richest cricket board (BCCI) announcing on Wednesday that it had doubled salaries for the 2016-17 season and hiked match fees across all three of the game&#39;s formats.

Players in the uppermost &#39;A&#39; category have been put on a retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending September 20, 2017, up from 10 million rupees last season.

That is still well short of the 700,000 pounds ($870,800) retainers that England&#39;s top cricketers, such as Alastair Cook or Joe Root are on, according to media reports, or the A$1.12 million dollars ($858,816) for Australia captain Steve Smith.

Top Indian cricketers also receive a match fee for each international appearance, and many benefit from playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

The BCCI said it had seven players on Grade A contracts, up from four last season, with Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Murali Vijay joining captain Virat Kohli, former skipper MS Dhoni, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and batsman Ajinkya Rahane.

Indian players on Grade B contracts, such as batsman Rohit Sharma and pace bowlers Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will earn 10 million rupees each and Grade C players will earn 5 million rupees apiece.

Notable exceptions from the list of players awarded contracts include off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and left-handed batsman Suresh Raina.

Players also top up their income in the IPL Twenty20 competition, with the country&#39;s media reporting that skipper Kohli, who captains Royal Challengers Bangalore, earned 15 million rupees from the league last year.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was bought for a staggering $2.17 million by Rising Pune Supergiants ahead of this season&#39;s IPL.&nbsp;

The BCCI also increased match fees for the national team, with players now earning 1.5 million rupees per test match, or three times as much as they did last season.

Match fees for both one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals have been doubled, to 600,000 rupees and 300,000 rupees, respectively.

The changes have been backdated to October 1, 2016, the BCCI said.

(Reuters)

Players in the uppermost 'A' category have been put on a retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending September 20, 2017

India's cricket team have been given a significant pay rise, with the world's richest cricket board (BCCI) announcing on Wednesday that it had doubled salaries for the 2016-17 season and hiked match fees across all three of the game's formats. Players in the uppermost 'A' category have been put on a retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending September 20, 2017, up from 10 million rupees last season. That is still well short of the 700,000 pounds ($870,800) retainers that England's top cricketers, such as Alastair Cook or Joe Root are on, according to media reports, or the A$1.12 million dollars ($858,816) for Australia captain Steve Smith. Top Indian cricketers also receive a match fee for each international appearance, and many benefit from playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI said it had seven players on Grade A contracts, up from four last season, with Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Murali Vijay joining captain Virat Kohli, former skipper MS Dhoni, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Indian players on Grade B contracts, such as batsman Rohit Sharma and pace bowlers Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will earn 10 million rupees each and Grade C players will earn 5 million rupees apiece. Notable exceptions from the list of players awarded contracts include off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and left-handed batsman Suresh Raina. Players also top up their income in the IPL Twenty20 competition, with the country's media reporting that skipper Kohli, who captains Royal Challengers Bangalore, earned 15 million rupees from the league last year. England all-rounder Ben Stokes was bought for a staggering $2.17 million by Rising Pune Supergiants ahead of this season's IPL. The BCCI also increased match fees for the national team, with players now earning 1.5 million rupees per test match, or three times as much as they did last season. Match fees for both one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals have been doubled, to 600,000 rupees and 300,000 rupees, respectively. The changes have been backdated to October 1, 2016, the BCCI said. (Reuters)

BCCI doubles player salaries, hikes match fees for 2016-17 season

India&#39;s Ravindra Jadeja pipped spin twin Ravichandran Ashwin to grab the pole position in the latest ranking for ICC Test bowlers while Cheteshwar Pujara reached a career-high second rank among batsmen.

Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1.

Jadeja, who grabbed five for 124 and four for 52 in Ranchi, has gained seven points after starting joint-first with Ashwin at 892 points. The left-arm spinner has become only the third Indian player after Ashwin and Bishan Singh Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own.

Pujara too has reason to celebrate as his knock of 202 has helped him gain four slots to reach a career-best second ranking with 861 points.

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The Saurashtra batsman has replaced New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who is now in fifth place, also slipping behind Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who remained static at fourth position. Top-ranked Australian captain Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21.

While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi.

Meanwhile, the race for the second spot in the ICC Test team rankings has become interesting as Australia and South Africa compete ahead of the cut-off date of April 1, on which India is assured of finishing first and getting a cash award of USD 1 million.

Australia will finish second and get a cash award of USD 500,000 with at least a draw in the last Test in Dharamsala while South Africa can finish second if Australia loses with South Africa either winning or drawing the last match against New Zealand in Hamilton.

The third-placed team on April 1 will receive USD 200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get USD 100,000.

(PTI)&nbsp;

R Ashwin, according to the latest ICC rankings, is the No. 2 Test bowler

India's Ravindra Jadeja pipped spin twin Ravichandran Ashwin to grab the pole position in the latest ranking for ICC Test bowlers while Cheteshwar Pujara reached a career-high second rank among batsmen. Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1. Jadeja, who grabbed five for 124 and four for 52 in Ranchi, has gained seven points after starting joint-first with Ashwin at 892 points. The left-arm spinner has become only the third Indian player after Ashwin and Bishan Singh Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own. Pujara too has reason to celebrate as his knock of 202 has helped him gain four slots to reach a career-best second ranking with 861 points. Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1 × The Saurashtra batsman has replaced New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who is now in fifth place, also slipping behind Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who remained static at fourth position. Top-ranked Australian captain Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21. While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi. Meanwhile, the race for the second spot in the ICC Test team rankings has become interesting as Australia and South Africa compete ahead of the cut-off date of April 1, on which India is assured of finishing first and getting a cash award of USD 1 million. Australia will finish second and get a cash award of USD 500,000 with at least a draw in the last Test in Dharamsala while South Africa can finish second if Australia loses with South Africa either winning or drawing the last match against New Zealand in Hamilton. The third-placed team on April 1 will receive USD 200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get USD 100,000. (PTI)

Jadeja is world's best Test bowler, Pujara second-best batsman

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara both put India in a strong position after Day one of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.&nbsp;

Both the players hit centuries to put up a marathon 226-run stand for the third wicket as India reached 317 for four after the early loss of the openers.&nbsp;

England seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad took one, after India opted to bat in the first ever test match in the port city. They missed a chance to send Kohli back after Adil Rashid dropped Kohli&#39;s mistimed pull shot off Stokes. Pujara also survived a England review for leg before against Moeen Ali with replays showing he was hit outside the line.

Fit-again opener Lokesh Rahul, who replaced Gautam Gambhir in the Indian side, lasted just five deliveries as fast bowler Stuart Broad dismissed him in his first over.

Rahul fell for a duck, hanging his bat away from his body to edge Broad to Ben Stokes at the third slip.

His opening partner Murali Vijay looked in good touch, hitting four crisply driven boundaries in his 20 before he fell to James Anderson.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

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Kohli-Pujara's 226-run partnership put India at 317 after the loss of four wickets on the Day one of the Visakhapatnam Test

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara both put India in a strong position after Day one of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Both the players hit centuries to put up a marathon 226-run stand for the third wicket as India reached 317 for four after the early loss of the openers. England seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad took one, after India opted to bat in the first ever test match in the port city. They missed a chance to send Kohli back after Adil Rashid dropped Kohli's mistimed pull shot off Stokes. Pujara also survived a England review for leg before against Moeen Ali with replays showing he was hit outside the line. Fit-again opener Lokesh Rahul, who replaced Gautam Gambhir in the Indian side, lasted just five deliveries as fast bowler Stuart Broad dismissed him in his first over. Rahul fell for a duck, hanging his bat away from his body to edge Broad to Ben Stokes at the third slip. His opening partner Murali Vijay looked in good touch, hitting four crisply driven boundaries in his 20 before he fell to James Anderson. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India vs England: Kohli, Pujara tons take India to 317/4