This ton better than the one against Oz: Gambhir

Mohali, Dec 19 (PTI) Last time he scored a century here, India beat world champions Australia but considering the circumstances, India's opening batsman Gautam Gambhir ranks Friday's century against England higher than the one he scored against Ricky Ponting's men in October.

"This is a special century because the ball was doing
quite a bit in the morning and we were six for one at that
stage," said the Delhi batsman, who remained unbeaten on 106
after the opening day's play in the second cricket Test
against England.

A gifted strokeplayer, Gambhir proved he has a mature
head over his shoulders as the 27-year-old batsman curbed his
natural game and joined hands with Rahul Dravid to steady the
ship after Sehwag’s early exit.

"It was special because England came hard on us. Trailing
the series 1-0, they had nothing to lose here. Against
Australia, I did get a century in the second innings and we
won but the century Friday is crucial because of the
conditions," said Gambhir who slammed 104 against
Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
here in October.

"After we won the Chennai Test, their morale was really
low, especially coming after their 5-0 defeat in the ODI
series. We knew they would come hard against us here
because it’s there last chance to level the series. But I
think we have done a good job and need to capitalise on it
tomorrow," he said.

Dravid also played a patient unbeaten knock of 65 which
not only steadied India but also snapped his string of poor
scores.

Gambhir said Dravid played an important role today and
hoped the knock would help the former captain retain his lost
confidence.

"He played a very important knock today, both from his
personal and the team points of view. We were six for one and
the ball was doing a lot. At that stage, we really needed a
big partnership and I think he tackled the seamers really
well", Gambhir said.

"He is a legend of the game with 10,000-plus runs under
his belt. Who am I to comment on him? But I think after this
one innings, his confidence would be high and he would
continue to do well," Gambhir added.

The Delhi player said Mohali had always been his
lucky ground and he only hoped the love affair continued.

"Two centuries in two matches is very special and it
really has been a lucky venue for me. I just want to continue
(the trend)," he said.

This was Gambhir’s third century in four matches and the
left-hander said he was chasing 1000 runs in this calendar
year.

"This year, I have been hitting the ball well. Before
this Test, I needed 150-odd runs to complete 1000 runs this
year and I’m determined to get there," he said.

On the ongoing Test, Gambhir said the team would stay
focus and positive to ensure their second win in the series.

"We should have a positive mindset. We are 1-0 up in the
series but that should not lead to a defensive mindset. The
next four days, we need to think how we can win the match and
nothing else. We need to win and become the number two ranked
team in the world," he said.

During his innings, Gambhir was particularly harsh on
England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar but the batsman said
the England player didn’t bowl too badly. Rather, he said, the
Indian batsmen had devised the way to counter the spinner.

"I think he bowled pretty well but our batsmen handled
him well too. It's never easy for a spinner to succeed against
India. In Chennai, we negotiated him well and that gave us the
confidence here," he said.

Asked if replacing Steve Harmison with Stuart Broad took
some sting out of the English attack, Gambhir felt otherwise.

"I think Broad bowled really well and hit the good areas.
Remember, he is the lone wicket taker of the day. He had done
well in the ODI series also and we knew once he is fit (from a
hamstring injury), he would be back in the side," Gambhir
said. PTI AY