Watson keeps Australia's flag aflutter

Shane Watson, who posted twin hundreds in the tour game before the Test series, survived two chances in delivering the sort of performance expected of a specialist opener, not one Australia have manufactured over the past year.

On a pitch with low bounce and gaining in turn, Watson began in an aggressive mood but toned down once Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke departed before tea, leaving the tourists at an uncomfortable 172 for 3. Until Ponting's departure for 71, Australia had been in control but his run-out forced a change of pace, and Watson started grinding to keep India at bay. There was no rush from Watson as the Indian spinners delivered tight spells in the afternoon and were called on for more work following Ishant's departure after 7.4 overs. Only 45 runs were scored in the final session as the ball softened and the spinners closed in, but Watson ensured that they did not get into Australia's lower order.

Watson has spent some gut-wrenching periods in the nineties during his 21 Tests, but he stayed calm and crept up on a rewarding second century. The milestone came with a legside clip for two off Harbhajan Singh and he stayed until the end, capturing eight fours from his 279 balls. It was a performance that bettered the 78 he made at the same ground two years ago, an innings that showed he could succeed when grit was required. Things worsened for Australia in the final hour of play with Zaheer Khan getting some menacing reverse swing, but Watson ensured he did not lose his wicket giving the visitors some hope for the second day.