Das slams brilliant century against Essex

Opener Shiv Sunder Das silenced his critics hitting a superb unbeaten 165 as the Indians ended strongly on the opening day of the four-day match against Essex at Chelmford on Tuesday.

Das, sidelined for the first two Tests against England, batted in scorching heat to plunder runs as Indians reached 331 for six at stumps. Skipper Sourav Ganguly was batting on 3.

Indians sent out Das and Sanjay Bangar to open the innings and the Railways all-rounder was the first to go when his middle-stump was pegged back by left-arm spinner James Middlebrook when on 21.

The diminutive Orissa player looked to be in prime touch and brought up his century with a cover drive off Jon Dakin five minutes before tea break, having batted for 232 minutes and 164 balls and hit 15 fours.

Das was associated in two partnerships with Virender Sehwag (36) and V V S Laxman (46) as the county side's bowlers wilted on a slow wicket.

Resuming at their lunchtime score of 104 for one, Indians lost Sehwag immediately when he was trapped leg before without adding a single run to his 37.

Das then made a series of attractive drives on either side of the wicket and his late cuts against left-arm spinner James Middlebrook were executed with aplomb.

Laxman himself, who was dismissed after compiling 46, was all grace while driving as he made his trademark on-the-up shots before he uppishly drove fast bowler Joseph Grant straight to the point fielder.

Laxman's knock lasted 69 balls with eight fours as Indians lost their third wicket on 191.