Cheteshwar Pujara struck form with a fine century, while Rohit Sharma hit 68 as India shrugged off an initial wobble to post 297 for five against West Indies-A on the opening day of a three-day warm-up game here on Saturday.
Pujara and Rohit stitched a 132-run partnership for the fourth wicket to take India to a strong position after being reduced to 89 for three at lunch.
Test specialist Pujara got going in his first competitive match of the West Indies tour and retired after making 100 off 187 balls with eight 4s and a 6.
Rohit fell after making 68 off 115 balls, hitting eight 4s and a six.
After Pujara retired in the final session, Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari further pushed the Indian total. Stumps were drawn just after Pant was out for a 53-ball 33 which he made with the help of four 4s and a 6.
For West Indies-A, pacer Jonathan Carter took three for 39, while Keon Harding and Akim Frazer got one wicket each.
At the start, India struggled after opting to bat. Ajinkya Rahane, designated captain, was out cheaply, edging all-rounder Jonathan Carter to ’keeper-captain Jahmar Hamilton.
K.L. Rahul looked fluent during his knock of 36 off 51 balls with five 4s and a 6, but fellow opener Mayank Agarwal’s (12) defence was breached within the first hour.
Rahul looked good for a big one before holing out to Romario Shehperd off new-ball bowler Keon Harding.
The scores: India 297 for five in 88.5 overs (C. Pujara 100 retd., Rohit Sharma 68, Rishabh Pant 33, Hanuma Vihari 37 batting; Jonathan Carter three for 39).
