Dhawan, Gambhir get into groove

Leicester: Opener Shikhar Dhawan and comeback man Gautam Gambhir helped themselves to well-crafted half-centuries as India reached 214 for two at tea, on the first day of their three-day warm-up game against Leicestershire, here on Thursday.Dhawan made 60 off 100 balls before he decided to retire being hurt in the right forearm by a short delivery from seamer Atif Sheikh.

Gambhir, who came in at the fall of Murali Vijay’s (20) wicket also scored 54 off 101 balls before retiring.

At the break, Cheteshwar Pujara (37 n.o) and Virat Kohli (24 n.o) were at the crease.Making a comeback to the Indian team after nearly one and a half years, Gambhir was watchful in his approach and was looking to grind even against a simple attack, trying to stay at the crease as long as possible.

His approach worked as he brought up his 50 off 95 balls, and then retired out after scoring 54 runs. He hit seven fours.

Kohli and Pujara added 49 runs for the third wicket before tea-time. India added 108 runs in 30 overs bowled in the second session as the 200-run mark came up in the 55th over.Earlier, Dhawan opened the innings with Vijay and the duo put on 46 runs for the first wicket. The latter took his time in the middle, facing 51 deliveries in all, trying to play with a straight-bat. He scored 20 runs and hit three boundaries, before he was out caught by Angus Robson at gully off Anthony Ireland (1-23) while going for a drive.

Gambhir walked in at No three, bringing up the team 50 in the 17th over, and along with Dhawan increased the pace of scoring. They put up 50 runs for the second wicket in just 63 balls.At the stroke of lunch, India had crossed the 100-run mark in 27th over, with Dhawan and Gambhir making good use of the perfect bounce in the pitch and the ordinary Leicestershire attack.This match doesn't have first-class status as all the 18 players would be tried out in the game.

India I innings 214 for two (S Dhawan 60, G Gambhir 54, C Pujara 54 (n.o)) vs Leicestershire