Cheteshwar Pujara hit an elegant century on his Test comeback as India recovered from a jittery start to finish first day on a comfortable 307 for five against New Zealand in the opening cricket Test here on Wednesday.
At stumps, Pujara, playing his fourth Test, remainedundefeated on 119 with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (29) giving him goodsupport as the duo added 47 for the unbroken sixth wicket partnership.
After 16 years, Indian cricket's new era in Tests started atthe Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Uppal today, without stalwarts like Rahul Dravidand VVS Laxman in the starting line-up.
Pujara, who has long been considered having the requisitegame to replace Dravid, showed that he has the right technique and temperamentto succeed at the international level.
India had a brisk start when the opening duo of GautamGambhir and Sehwag added 49 runs for the first wicket after Dhoni elected tobat after winning the toss.
But the duo perished to some reckless shots as left-armseamer Trent Boult gave New Zealand the first breakthrough in the form ofGambhir who chased an outgoing delivery to be caught behind for 22.
Sehwag, after getting a reprieve on 35, also failed toconvert a fine start being dismissed for a 41-ball 47.
Senior player Sachin Tendulkar, also did not last long afterbeing castled for 19 as it was left for young guns Pujara and Virat Kohli (58)to put their hand up and be counted.
They did not disappoint during their stand of 125 runs forthe fifth wicket which was also entertaining due to some fine stroke-making bythe duo.
