30 Oct 2008

Gambhir headline act on day one of third test

6:25 am on 30 October 2008

India's opening batsman Gautam Gambhir hailed a career-turning home series against Australia after a superb unbeaten 149 on the first day of the pivotal third test in New Delhi.

Gambir's second consecutive century rescued India from early trouble to reach a commanding 296 for 3 at stumps.

During his day-long innings, Gambir was involved in two incidents. Before the lunch break, the Australians accused him of deliberately elbowing the pace bowler Shane Watson while he was taking a run. Later Gambir hit Watson for a straight six to bring up his century.

And late in the day the New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden had to intervene during a heated exchange between Gambir and Simon Katich following an appeal for a runout.