Unconquered Jaffer helps India dictate terms

Kolkata: A gallant unbeaten 192 by opener Wasim Jaffer put India in a healthy position as the Indian top order fired to pile up an impressive 352-3 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens on Friday. Sourav Ganguly (12) was on the other end at stumps.

Jaffer played some classy shots in his 255-ball knock and also displayed a compact defence to frustrate the visiting side. The Mumbai batsman was ably supported by Rahul Dravid (50) and Sachin Tendulkar (82) as the home side took the teeth out of the Pakistan bowling right at the onset. Jaffer smashed as many as 32 boundaries during his brilliant knock.

After captain Anil Kumble won the toss, India were jolted early as Sohail Tanveer scalped Dinesh Karthik (one) who failed to reach double-figures for the third consecutive time in the series.

But Dravid and Jaffer held the fort for India as they kept the Pakistan bowlers at bay throughout the first session. The duo put together 136 for the second wicket, before Kaneria induced an edge off Dravid’s bat that went on to keeper Akmal’s gloves.

Jaffer then built another huge partnership with Tendulkar, further denting Pakistan’s hopes. The in-form Tendulkar carried on from his unbeaten knock in the second innings of the Delhi Test. The little master made the most of the lackluster Pakistan bowling attack as he bludgeoned 12 boundaries in his belligerent knock that brought his 47th Test half-century and his seventh against the arch-rivals.

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