Pujara ton, Rohit’s 50 push India to 297/5

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) A century from Cheteswhar Pujara and a half century from Rohit Sharma helped push India's score to 297/5 on Day 1 of their practice match against West Indies. Rohit and Pujara shared a 132-run stand for the fourth wicket. Pujara retired after making 100 off 187 balls while Rohit fell after making 68 off 115.

India won the toss and chose to bat first on Saturday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal opened the batting. The innings got off to a brisk start largely thanks to Rahul who hit five fours and a six in his 46-ball stay at the crease. Agarwal, on the other hand, was dismissed by Jonathan Carter, who was West Indies A's highest wicket taker of the day with three scalps. Rahul fell in the 13th over.

Ajinkya Rahane, who was captaining the side in the absence of Virat Kohli, lasted only six balls as he nicked behind off Carter and departed for one run. Rahane has not scored a century for two years now and his worrying form with the bat has shown no signs of improvement in the first innings of the practice match. Rohit and Pujara then pegged back the Carribean attack.

Rohit's was a typically stroke-filled innings as he made full use of the opportunity to bat early in the day. After the pair went back to the hut, Hanuma Vihari (37 not out) and Rishabh Pant (33) pushed India's total to near the 300-run mark.

India kick off their World Test Championship campaign with their upcoming tw-Test series against the West Indies. The first Test will be played at North Sound starts on August 22.

Brief Scores: India 1st Innings: 297/5 (Cheteshwar Pujara 100 retired hurt, Rohit Sharma 68; Jonathan Carter 3/39).