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Indian openers lay solid foundation

India finds itself in a position from where it can dictate terms after the opening day's play in the first Test against the West Indies.

Virender Sehwag impressed yet again, and he really is a young man going from strength to strength. He might have been hesitant in the beginning on Wednesday, but got over that phase and went on to play many delightful shots.

This was his first hundred in India and he stroked the ball in all directions. The advantage of having someone like Sehwag in Test cricket is that he will get runs quickly, providing that much more time for the bowlers to finish their job.

He doesn't really change his style of play, whether it is an ODI or a Test, and he is the kind of player who will bring the crowds to the stadium.

His opening partner, Sanjay Bangar, played his role well, and did not get carried away even as Sehwag was destroying the attack. The big opening stand certainly provided India with a firm platform.

Bangar is looking to cement his place in the side, and he did miss out on a fine chance to get to three-figures. Nevertheless, his was a valuable innings from the team's point of view.

Sachin Tendulkar, in his first Test in India after his 100th Test, has a wonderful opportunity to get a hundred; so does Rahul Dravid and India should pile up a massive first innings score. It was a good toss to win for Ganguly and he took the right decision.

The lack of the sting in the West Indian attack was all too evident. There was not a single bowler — paceman or spinner — who caught the eye. And the Caribbean fielding was ragged too.

The match is being played on a freshly-laid pitch, however, it is hardly behaving like one. In fact, the wicket has less pace and bounce than the earlier one at the Wankhede Stadium. If anything, the odd ball tended to keep low, and this can only help the Indian spinners as the game progresses.

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