HUBLI, India, CMC-A triple century from captain Cheteshwar Pujara has given India A control over West Indies A and a chance to force an outright win in their third unofficial test here yesterday.
Pujara displayed discipline and character to remain unbeaten on 306 as India A declared their innings at 564 for nine at tea on Day three of the match at KSCA Stadium. Pujara, 139 overnight, increased his run rate to gain a substantial lead after Abhishek Nayar (11) and Paras Dogra (7) were removed by medium-pacer Assad Fudadin and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller, respectively.
He played some delightful shots smashing 33 boundaries and adding 177 runs to his overnight score to become only the ninth batsman ever, and the second Indian, to score three first-class triple-centuries. He reached his triple ton by covering driving a delivery from left-hand medium fast Delorn Johnson for an exquisite boundary after facing 410 balls.
The skippers’ innings were not entirely flawless as he was dropped by Ashley nurse when he was on 198 and survived and lbw decision against Delorn Johnon on 299.
Pujara’s innings have given his side, trailing 1-0 in the series, four sessions to force a result.
Nurse finished with three wickets for 106 runs while Nikita Miller picked up two for 112.
West Indies A were 116 for three in their second innings at the close of day three.
