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Rediff.com  » Cricket » PHOTOS, Day 1: Vijay's century caps India's dominance at Gabba

PHOTOS, Day 1: Vijay's century caps India's dominance at Gabba

Last updated on: December 17, 2014 15:40 IST
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Led by opener Murali Vijay's century, India amassed 311 for 4 against Australia on Day 1 of the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Check out some images from the day's play. 

Murali Vijay of India celebrates his century against Australia on Day 1 of the 2nd Test at The Gabba on Wednesday

Murali Vijay celebrates his century against Australia on Day 1 of the second Test at The Gabba on Wednesday. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Opener Murali Vijay turned the heat on Australia, scoring a brilliant 144 off 213 balls, on a sultry Wednesday, Day 1 of the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

- Scorecard

- Match report

He completed his fifth Test century before Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma built on his good work to take India past the 300 run-mark -- their first at the Gabba -- and close the day on 311 for 4 at stumps.

Rahane (75) and Rohit (26) will resume India's innings on Thursday.

Murali Vijay plays a sweep shot on Wednesday

Murali Vijay plays a sweep shot. Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Australia, who used eight bowlers on Day 1, were uncharacteristically poor in the field.

Vijay was dropped twice during his innings -- Shaun Marsh the culprit on both occasions and Mitchell Johnson the unfortunate bowler.

The right-handed batsman was presented his first lifeline when on 36 and later 102. Apart from the two chances he gave to the Australians, Vijay stroked the ball well throughout a nicely compiled innings.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane bats on Day 1 of the second Test. Photograph: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The right-handed opener got good support from Rahane (batting 75) as the duo shared a 124-run stand for the fourth wicket, with the Australian pacers struggling to find any rhythm in the hot and humid conditions.

Post tea, Vijay took the attack to the Aussies, scoring briskly and finding the boundaries at will.

His hundred came up in the fourth over after resumption of the innings in the last session.

Rahane reached his sixth Test half-century in the 71st over, as their partnership crossed the 100-run mark, and threatened to put Australia on the backfoot.

In the next over, though, Vijay was caught behind off Lyon, bringing an end to a fantastic knock in overseas conditions.

Shane Watson lets out a scream in frustration

Shane Watson lets out a scream in frustration on Day 1 of the second Test. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

It was as if Vijay’s form rubbed off on his teammates, as Rahane and Rohit kept up the momentum.

Smith tried everything in the book to stop the marauding Indian batsmen but nothing worked as India crossed the 300-run mark in the 81st over after the second new ball was taken.

The slow over-rate meant that play was called off with seven overs remaining in the day.

Murali Vijay of India celebrates scoring fifty against Auatralia on Day 1 of the 2nd Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday

Murali Vijay of India celebrates scoring 50 against Australia on Day 1 of the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Earlier, Australia dominated the second session despite Vijay’s fighting fifty.

Vijay played a subdued innings to ensure India stability after the fall of two wickets in the post lunch session. Along with Ajinkya Rahane he took India to 151for 3 at tea.

Australia’s debutant pacer Josh Hazlewood picked the wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara (18) and Virat Kohli (19) to peg India back slightly.

Newly appointed Australian captain Steve Smith embraces his mother after receiving his Captain's jacket

Newly-appointed Australia captain Steve Smith embraces his mother after receiving his captain's jacket . Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Earlier, Australia captain Steven Smith, who was handed the captain’s blazer, lost the toss but India's batsmen faced some good, accurate bowling at the start of the day.

With pace and movement in the wicket, Vijay and his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan battled the challenging conditions, took their time and batted smartly.

Mitchell Marsh celebrates with teammates after dismissing Shikhar Dhawan

Mitchell Marsh celebrates with teammates after dismissing Shikhar Dhawan. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The 50-run mark came up for India in the 13th over, a first instance since Lord’s in 2011 when the opening pair had put up a 50-plus partnership in overseas Tests.

But the partnership was soon broken after the Aussies persisted. Dhawan was caught behind off Mitchell Marsh (1/13) in the next over with the score on 56.

Chris Rogers of Australia fields

Chris Rogers of Australia fields as Nathan Lyon looks on. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Australia fielders were not themselves. Vijay received a life when he was dropped by Shaun Marsh at third slip off Mitchell Johnson. He was on 36 at that moment and was lucky enough to be still at the crease at the lunch break.

Vijay was then joined by Cheteshwar Pujara at the crease. The duo put on 33 runs for the second wicket by lunch after Dhawan failed a convert a good start.

After lunch, Vijay reached his ninth Test half century with a crunching drive through the covers for four.

Josh Hazlewood of Australia celebrates with teammates after dismissing Cheteshwar Pujara

Josh Hazlewood of Australia celebrates with teammates after dismissing Cheteshwar Pujara. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Hazlewood was fortunate to get his first Test wicket when he had Pujara adjudged caught behind for 18. The ball seemed to have missed everything on the way to the keeper.

The dubutant then tempted Virat Kohli into attempting a cut and the batsmen was caught behind for 19 after only managing a thick edge.

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