Ahmedabad, Oct 08: Rahul Dravid struck a classic unbeaten century as India recovered from mid-innings jolts to reach a comfortable 249 for three on the opening day of the It was a slow and steady progress for the Indians but for the post-lunch session when they lost debutant opener Akash Chopra (42) and batting star Sachin Tendulkar for eight. Though runs were not exactly flowing, the Indian batsmen gave a vent to their penchant for stroke-making in patches with Dravid hitting as many as 13 fours in 110-run knock and Laxman unleashing six boundaries for his unbeaten 56 after skipper Sourav Ganguly won the toss and elected to bat on a placid wicket. Dravid, who came in when the team's score read 35 for one, played the sheet anchor role to perfection, adding 115 vital runs for the unfinished fourth wicket with the stylish Laxman.
Dravid was batting on 110 while VVS Laxman was on 56 when stumps were drawn. Bureau Report