Gambhir puts India in control

Opener Gautam Gambhir hit his third century in four tests to lead India to 179 for one on the first day of the second and final test against England yesterday.

The in-form Gambhir struck 106 not out and added 173 runs for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid to lift the hosts out of early trouble after skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to bat in overcast conditions.

Dravid shook off his poor form by scoring an unbeaten 65 after explosive opener Virender Sehwag fell to Stuart Broad for a third-ball duck in the morning's second over.

Gambhir struck 12 fours against off spinner Graeme Swann, reaching his 100 after tea.

Play was called off with 18 overs remaining because of poor light.

Pakistan Tour

Sri Lankan cricket authorities have confirmed their tour to Pakistan in January and February. Pakistan had invited Sri Lanka to play three tests, three one-day internationals and a Twenty20 game after the Indian government did not permit its team to undertake their test tour of Pakistan from next month.