KINGSTON: Centuries by Navjot Sidhu and Dilip Vengsarkar and their fourth wicket partnership of 238 runs enabled India to finish the first day of their four day match against Jamaica at 367 for four wickets at the Sabina Park here.
Both Sidhu and Vengsarkar batted resolutely and the former was still at the crease when stumps were drawn, The Indian skipper, however, fell to the last ball of the day for an individual score of 111.
The visitors, desperate to salvage some Prestige on the Caribbean tour, lost W.V. Raman Carly with just 10 runs on the board after Vengsarkar won the toss. The stylish lefthander who scored five, had his stumps shattered by an express delivery from fast bowler Steve Gordon.
Joined by Manjrekar, Sidhu got after some different bowling and posted a 100 run second wicket partnership the second ‘n the tour after their game at St. Kitts.
Sidhu earned a life when he was dropped by Neita at silly point, off Nehemiah Perry, when his score was 34 in a total of 72. At lunch India were 129 for two, with Sidhu ‘on 62 and Azharuddin on one. After the break Azharuddin, who was included in the side at the last minute when manager Venkataraghavan ruled him fit after he missed the third Test due to groin injury, left without adding to the total playing a turning Perry ball on to the stumps. AL this stage skipper Vengsarkar joined Sidhu and dominated proceeding till the close as the home team’s fielding wilted, a and their bowlers lost some purpose. Sidhu completed his century off 173 balls in three hours and 20 minutes and slammed 13 fours. Vengsarkar also got to his first three figure mark on the touring 215 minutes off 189 balls aided with six fours. Amongst the home side, only Perry and skipper Tucker eared some respect.
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