VISAKHAPATNAM, India, 29 September 2003 — Opener Akash Chopra hit an unbeaten hundred to boost his Test hopes as New Zealand’s rain-hit opening tour game against an Indian Board President’s XI ended in a tame draw yesterday.
The 26-year-old revealed a solid technique and played firm shots in the later part of his innings to reach 103 not out with one-day specialist Yuvraj Singh adding a brisk unbeaten 80.
The pair shared in an unbroken 166-run partnership for the second wicket.
The Board XI reached 227 for one wicket when the match was called off as a draw, once Chopra reached triple figures by sweeping off-spinner Paul Wiseman to midwicket for four.
New Zealand were frustrated by poor weather. Only 10 overs could be completed on the first day, the second was washed out and start of play yesterday was delayed by more than an hour.
Young fast bowler Ian Butler gave the visitors their only success when he had Shiv Sundar Das caught down the legside for 16, wicketkeeper Robbie Hart completing a sharp, low catch diving to his left.
But the Kiwi bowlers found no further success on a firm batting pitch where both slow bowlers, left-arm Daniel Vettori and Wiseman were given long spells.
Delhi’s Chopra, who has an impressive first class average of over 54.0 played watchfully before attacking the spinners to reach his 14th first class hundred.
Kirmani Named India’s
Chief Selector
In New Delhi, Syed Kirmani, India’s most successful Test wicket keeper, has been appointed the country’s chief cricket selector. Kirmani, regarded by many as the finest Indian stumper and a member of the 1983 World Cup winning squad, replaces Brijesh Patel.
