Captain Virat Kohli and Kedar Jhadav tore the England bowling attack into pieces, scoring superb centuries as India chased a marathon 351 to start the new year on a high note at the MCA stadium in Pune today.
They put on a record 200 partnership for the fifth wicket to the delight of the packed crowd here.
India were tottering at 63 for four after Dhoni’s dismissal when Jadhav joined the captain. And both gave full holiday entertainment with some outstanding batting display. Kohli also equalled the little master Sachin Tendulkar’s record, scoring 17 hundreds, while chasing. He made 122 off 105 balls and while the Maharashtrian Jadhav scored 130 infront of his home lovers.
David Jonathan Willey, son of former England cricketer Peter Willey struck two vital blows, getting rid of both the Indian openers Shikar Dhawan and KL Rahul as England succeeded in putting pressure in the initial stages.
Yuvraj hit a six and and a four in an over of Willey, but did not last long and MS Dhoni miscued a shot to the disappointment of his lovers, who came in large numbers for his batting.
Earlier, Jason Roy, Joe Root and Ben stokes scored fine half centuries as England put up a big 350 for seven on the board.
Roy, who is emerging out to be a future star was brilliant today, taking on the Indian attack from the word go. He played some fine shots all around the wicket, while Root who came in after Hales got run out continued his super form which he showed in Tests earlier.
And it was Ben Stokes cameo effort of 62 off 40 balls which helped England reach the 350 score as Indian bowlers bowled badly in the last ten overs, conceding more than 100 runs.
By Sudheer Mahavadi – DD Commentator
