Belligerent centuries by Yuvraj, Ganguly helps India claw back

India was comfortably placed at 365/5 at stumps on Day 1 of the third and final Test match against Pakistan at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Dazzling knocks from Yuvraj Singh (169) and an unbeaten 125 from Ganguly bailed the hosts out of an appalling 61/4 at one juncture.

With Dravid requiring just one more fifty to achieve a rare milestone of 50 Test half centuries, all eyes were trained on the local boy to achieve the feat. With Gautam Gambhir (5), who was replacing MS Dhoni departing cheaply, the Bangalore boy was welcomed amidst loud cheers. But it was Test debutant Yasir Arafat who hogged the limelight.

New kid on the block makes waves
Yasir Arafat making his Test debut struck thrice in the opening session. The debutant accounted for the crucial wickets of Dravid, Jaffer and Laxman and had India tottering on 65-4 at Lunch. Dravid was out caught at slip by Misbah for 19. Jaffer was trapped LBW for 17 while Laxman was bowled for 5.

Sourav, Yuvraj smash centuries
The two southpaws Ganguly and Yuvraj launched the Indian comeback. Yuvraj Singh playing in his first Test of the year was at his aggressive best.

Meanwhile Ganguly struck some characteristic elegant cover drives. As the partnership began to develop, Yuvraj started to bat freely and reached his 3rd Test hundred in just 137 balls. Yuvraj’s fascination for Pakistan attack was evident once again, as all his centuries have come against Pakistan.

The duo shared a mammoth 300 runs partnership which is also a new record at the Chinnaswamy ground surpassing Kallis and Klusner’s previous record.

A momentary lapse in concentration saw Yuvraj top edging Sami in the closing moments of play. His belligerent innings of 169 pulled India out of trouble. Such was his class today that the Bangalore crowd was treated to 28 fours and a six off Kaneria by Yuvraj who seemed to carry his One day form to the longer version

India was 365-5 at stumps with Ganguly unbeaten on 125.

Shoaib Akthar takes MRI scan

Speedster Shaoib Akhtar who has not fully recovered from his back injury was rushed to the hospital for an MRI scan.

Shaoib Akthar bowled four overs with the new ball, before complaining of the pain in the seventh over. However, he was back on the field to bowl the ninth over. Finally he was taken for a scan at the end of 32nd over.

Pakistan team management revealed that scan report showed that it was a case of musle spasm.

Decision on Shoaib’s participation in the remainder of the game will be taken tomorrow.