Cricket story by Georgina Scane, Sun, 05 Mar 2006 02:52:00 GMT


NAGPUR, India - Alastair Cook marked what has been a stunning debut with a patient century on Day 4 of the first test against India at Nagpur and England ended the day with a huge lead of 367 runs. Cook was 104 not out at the end and giving him company was first innings centurion Paul Collingwood, who was unbeaten on 36.

Earlier Hoggard claimed his 6th wicket when he got rid of Shreesanth and India were all out for 323. England openers Strauss and Cook added 95 for the first wicket before Strauss and then Bell fell to Pathan just after lunch. Thereafter Kevin Pietersen and Cook added 124 runs for the third wicket thanks to some dropped catches by the Indians. Pietersen made 87 before falling to Kumble late in the day, but by then the damage had already been done.

Cook got to his century in 263 balls and was delighted with his effort. England have not yet declared and it will be interesting to see if they do it overnight or play for an hour tomorrow morning.

Cook made 60 in the first innings and followed it up with an unbeaten century in the second to become only the 16th Englishman to score a hundred on debut, "It is unbelievable. I know it is a cliché but it really is a dream come true," he said after the match. "Kevin took the pressure off me and I could just bat."

Asked how he planned to celebrate, Cook replied, "I'm not quite sure where to go but I think I might have a glass of champagne, if there is any in Nagpur, and just enjoy the moment." For India Mohammed Kaif said the dropped chances were crucial, "We've done well as a combination over the past few months," he said. "We have some good experienced players, and we just need to go out there and bat well," he added.

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